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Hampton's  Cavalry 


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FAMI! 

COLONEL  FLOW  1  K^ 


<* 


SKETCHES 


FROM 


HAMPTON'S  CAVALRY, 


EMBRACING    THE 


PRINCIPAL  EXPLOITS  OF  THE  CAV4LI1Y 


IN    THE 


• 

CAxMPAIGNS  OF   1&62   AND   1863 

nu^ 

<&\ 

By  D.  B.  RE  A. 

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• 

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Quorum  magna  pars  fwi. 

r- 

•                 COLUMBIA,  S. 

•            • 

SOUTH     CAROLINIAN      ITE4M     IM 

1S64. 

m 

• 

rv  >  p. 

TRINITY  COLLEGE  X*v 
LIBRARY 

1)1  KHAM  :  NORTH  CAROLINA 


■         » 


i  7  u 

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0 

PREFACE. 


In  giving  the  sketches  of  these  exploits  to  the  public  from  the  imme- 
diate scenes  where  they  were  'acted,  our  position  in  the  ranks  necessarily 
limits  our  province,  individually,  to  the  events  confined  to  this  Brigade, 
and  where  it  was  connected  in  the  same  expeditions  with  Stuart's  other 
cavalry. 

Written,  as  they 'have  been,  in  hurried  moments  and  snatched  intervals 
in  camp,  we  ask  the  veil  of  charity  over  their  imperfections. 

Camp  Sand  Springs, 

Culpepcr  Co.,  Va.,  Jan.   10,  1863. 

The  favorable  reception  of  the  Sketches  embracing  the  part  we  bore 
in  the  campaigns  of  18G2  encourages  us  .to'continue  them  through  1863 — 
compiling  both  in  one. 

Our  province  will  again  be  limited  to  a  partial  portrayal  of  the  scenes 
through  which  this  cavalry  has  passed  individually,  or  where  the  events 
were  shared  by  the  whole  or  part  of  the  army. 

Clark  Mountain, 

Orange  Co.,  Va.',  Dec.  27,  1868. 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I. 

Page 
Formation  of  the  Brigade — First*  Skirmishes : 9 

CHAPTER  II. 
McClellan  vacates  his  '"New  Base  " .• 12 

CHAPTER  III. 

Hampton's  Command  withdraws  from  the  Chickahoniiny — Pursues  the  retreating 
Enemy  from  Manassas — Proceeds  to  the  Potomac 15 

CHAPTER  IV. 

Crosses  the  Potomac  into  Maryland — Capture  of  Poolsville — Yankee  Scouts  Cap- 
ture Impp-tant  Despatches — Our  Cavalry   recapture  them — Circumstances  alter     , 
Cases — Fights  in  Frederick  town,  Middletbn,  on  Buckettsville  Road,  ami  South 
Mountain — Capture  of  Harper's  Ferry — The  Battle  of  Antietam — A  Remarkable 
Coincidence — Affair  at  Boteler's  Mill..  , 19 

CHAPTER  V. 

Stuart's  Cavalry  Expedition  into  Pennsylvania—  Preparation  for  the  Expedition — 
Troops  composing  the  Expedition — Crossing  the  Potomac — Surprising  the  Ene- 
my's Pickets — The  Successful  Passage  through  the  Right  Wing  of  McClellan's 
Army — Passes  out  of  Maryland  into  Pennsylvania — Horse  Pressing  .Orders  is- 
sued— Capture  of  St.  Thomas  and  Chambcrsburg 38 

CHAPTER  VI. 

Evacuates  Chambersburg — Passage  through  the  Valley — Crosses  the  Mountains  at 
ens'  Gap — Passes  safely  out  of  the  State  into  Maryland — Joyous  Reception 
.it   Kit  in.  ttsburg — Succeeds  in  Passing  through  the   Enemy's  Forces  during  the 
Night,  and  reaches  the  Potomac — Perilous  Situation,  but  after  Sharp'  Skirmish- 
ing succeeds  in  Crossing,  and  readies  our  Lines 17 

•  II AFTER  VII. 

i            ition  of  Martinsburp  and  Withdrawal  from  the  Valley-                                Ilnr- 
befs  CrOl                               Cross-Roads,  Little  Washington,  and  Laurel  Mill- — 
•  -•ses  the  Rear  of  the  Yankee   Army  in  moving  down                             ;rg— - 
Quintessence  of  Meanness 54 


CHAPTER  vii! 

Pass 
•  mi  the  Rappahannock— Miiko*  a  Descent 

•  r-re  the  V 

.(••■ret  a  large  Train  <•:  !        — <'.i],u. 

''''■'• 

I  !I  LPTEB  IX. 



.11  LPTKB  I 

"! 

rii  LPTKB  \l- 

S|' 

CHAPTER  XII.. 

pture  "f  Winchester — EwelTs  Foi  -  the 

"    .  ilcliurft   and    UppervilU — Our   "  : 

ttysburg — 1                      from    Qettyft- 
menl 93 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

r  il  Quia]    Ko.it-.   :l    Large 
'..  ■.■_'' >iis— Makes  a  Circuit   in 
at  !#i  ' 
Ib  in  oheokiog  the  Knemy — 

ml  AtVair   ill    the    I'.i"    bj   :i    Detftoh* 

ry Ill 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

:i  Bold  Attempt  to  Capture  our  Traim  at  Williams- 
Imboden— Cavalry  F!| 

!i — Cavalri   r'ijilit  near  1'nnks- 
I  .  I  r  v 

my— The  Army  withdraws  from  the  Valley,  and     ■ 

1  '20 

CHAPTER  w  . 

Men 124 

OB  LPTEB  \vi. 

nt    itrandi    Station  ition    of   lie    •  We 

■i   the  Rappahannock     Engagement  ;a  Jack's, Shop — Tlie 

i 120 


CONTENTS.  t 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

l'A  IK 

General  Lee  moves  upon  Meade's  Flank— -Stuart's  Splendid  Success  with  Gordon's 
and  Young's  Brigades  at  Robinson  River — Gordon  follows  up  the  Enemy  and 
attacks  them  near  Culpeper  Court  House,  and  a^ain  routs  them — Fitz.  Lee  at 
tacks  the  Enemy  at  Morton  and  Raccoon  Fords,  and  after  a  severe  fight  en- 
tirely routs  them — They  stand  and  give  fight  at  Stevensburg,  but  are  again 
routed — Stuart  and  Fitz.  Lee  make  a  Junction  at  Brandy  Station — Another  se- 
vere Cavalry  Fight  ensues,  and  the  Enemy  again  routed  and  driven  across  the 
Rappahannock — Jones'  Brigade  encounter  Gregg's  Cavalry  Division  at  Jefferson, 
and  after  a  severe  Fight,  Drives  him  across  the  River  with  Heavy  Loss — General 
Young  bluffs  the  Enemy  at  Culpeper — Stuart  gets  surrounded  at  Auburn — Cuts 
•  his  way  out — The  Affair  at  Bristol — Stuart  pushes  the  Enemy's  Rear,  and  en- 
gages him  at  Manassas — Meade  makes  his  Escape — Our  Army  retire  after  de- 
stroying the  Railroad — Stuart  draws  JJilpatrick  on  in  Pursuit — Turns  upon  him 
and  routs  him  with  Heavy  Loss,  Capturing  several  Wagons  and'  Ambulances  and 
a  Good  Number  of  Prisoners — Retires  after  the  Army  across  the  Rappahan- 
nock— Yankee  Chivalry  versus  Women 136 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 

The  Unfortunate  Affair  at  Rappahannock  Station — The  Evacuation  of  Culpeper 
County — General  Hampton  returns  to  his  Command  and  covers  the  Retreat — 
Takes -the  Old  Lines  on  the  Rapidan — General  Hampton  makes  a  Successful 
Foray  in  the  Enemy's  Lines,  surprising  and  capturing  a  Camp — Meade  advances 
and  Crosses  the  Rapidan — Our  Cavalry  harass  his  Flank  and  Rear — He  precipi- 
tately retreats  back  across  the  River— An  Unknown  Hero — Conclusion 152 


SKETCHES. 


CHAPTER    I 


FORMATION   OF   THE   BRIGADE — FIRST   SKIRMISHES. 

We  propose  now  to  speak  of 'the  part  this  brigade  took. in  the 
summer,  fall,  and  winter  campaigns  of  '62,  through  Virginia  and 
Maryland; — including  Stuart's  daring  and  successful  raid  into  the 
State  of  Pennsylvania,  and  in  Burnside's  rear  after  the  battle  of 
Fredericksburg. 

The  brigade  was  organized  immediately  after  the  battles  around 
Richmond,  comprising  the  following  cavalry  regiments,  all  of  which 
had  acted  simply  as  regiments,  attached  to  different  infantry  corps, 
viz:  the  cavalry  of  the  Cobb  Legion,  commanded  by  Colonel  P. 
yicB.  Youn.Li  :  the  Second  South  Carolina  Regiment  (formerly  of 
Hampton's  old  Legion),  commanded*  by  Colonel  M.  C.  Butler;  the 
airy  of  the  Jeff.  Davis  Legion,  commanded  by  Colonel  Wm. 
Martin  :  the  cavalry  of  tin-  Phillips  Legion,  commanded  by  Colonel 
Wm.  Rich  ;  the  Firsl  Regiment  North  Carolina  cavalry,  com- 
manded by  Colonel  L.  S.  Maker;  tlie  Tenth  Virginia  cavalry, 
commanded  b\  Colonel  J.  Lucius  Davis;*  and  a  batterj  of  Horse 
Artillery  (from  Hampton's  old  Legion),  under  Captain'  Bart,  a 
gallant   and  skillful  officer. 

Bferent  regiments  embodied  the  flower  of  the  youth  and 
manhood  of  the  different   States  of  Mississippi  Alabama,  G 

Carolina,  North  Carolina,  and  Virginia — an  impulsive  youth, 

mosl  of  them  brought  up  in  the  lap  of  luxury  and  ease,  In  sh  from 

.nd  the  schools  ;  men  of  worth  and  standing  from  the 


*Ti.  the  wintci 


i;OM 

the  Gum,  had  been  transformed  into 

■ 

:   immediately  under  the  command   «>i 
v,  I     rolina,  who  had  early  equip- 

ion  from  hie  own  chivalrous 
:,  he  had  already  demonstrated  hie  just  claims 
and  daring  officer,  worth] 
i  hich  be  now  enjoys  to  the  fu] 
in  in-  <  ommand. 

\  same  time  General  J.  K.  B.  Stuart,  that  dashing  and 

hief  tit'  til.-  cavalry    >f  the  army  of 
in. i.  including  our  brigade. 

was  immediately  despatched  to  the  outpost  i>t'  the 

I  ickahomiuy,  to  pickel  and  watch  the  movements  of  McClellan 

"  .hi  the  Amies,  where  he  lay  for  weeks,  cowering 

uihI.t  i  i  army  had  bo  vigorously  plied  upon  him,  in 

ittempl   of  liis  "on  to  Richmond   by  way  ol   the 

.: ,."      Our  advance  lines  encircled  bis  "bcue"  from,  the 

ink  of  the  Pamunkey  to  the  north  bank  of  the  James,  our 

\\    -  .in  Hill.    For  so  vera!  weeks  the  outposts  of 

quietl}  in  the  face  of  each  other,  without  anything 

1 1 - 1  tin-  usual  routine  of  pickel  duty.     Till  about   the   l>t  of 

monotony  <9f  our  watch inge  was  relieved  by  t'h>-  rat- 

and  the  Jramp  of  horses,  advancing  from 

tl,,-  direcftoi  Federal  base," on  that  pari  of  tin-  line  In '1.1  by 

the  North  Carolina  and  Georgia  cavalry — thfe  North  Garoliuiaus 

holding  tin-  upper  pari  ol  the  line,  a1  the  junction  of  the  Quaker  and 

Chariest  IthoG         iaus  the  extreme  right,  on  Malvern 

II  i     T      North  Carolinians  skirmished  at  intervals  all  through  the 

.t  witli  the  enemy's  cavalry.    At  daybreak  in  the  morning,  Cap- 

i  body  of  dismounted  troopers',  met  their  advance 

on  tin-  I  City  road,  and  after  a  sharp  skirmish,  wounding 

enemy,  they  fell  back  upon  thru-  main  body,  and 

unced  down  a  parallel  road  further  to  our  left,  converging  into 

in  lull  force,  moved  on  their  grand  army, our 

dry  barat  I  banging  on  their  flanks.      With  shouts  they 

made  I  is  they  re-invested  th  ise  old  memorable 

1  that   morning's  Bun  rose  upon  her  Blopes  frowning 

wit;  i>roa(J    plaz  is  around,  and    the   hill- 

Bides  were  b  with  bayonets,  while  the  spade  and  the.  pick 


Hampton's  cavalry.  11 

were  being  busily  plied,  extending-  the  old  works  of  July  1st,  and 
erectiflg  new  ones.  Our  army,  about  twelve  miles  distant,  was 
apprised  of  this  sudden  move,  and  were  on  the  qui  vive,  and 
reached  the  vicinity  of  the  hill.  A  desultory  skirmish  was  kept 
up  on  the  right,  principally  by  the  cavalry,  till  two  o'clock,  when 
the  artillery  was  brought  up  and<  opened,  which  was  met  with  a 
spirited  response  for  an  hour  and  a  half.  The  different  corps  of 
our  forces  were  being  brought  up,  couriers  were  seen  hurrying  in 
dashing  speed  from  one  command  to  another — every  appearance 
foreshadowed  a  coming  engagement,  and  that  the  bloody  scenes  of 
July  1st  were  to  be  re-enatfted  upon  this  memorable  spot.  Fir- 
ing on  the  part  of  the  enemy  became  slow,  when  a  reconnoissance 
from  the  Georgia  and  North  Carolina  cavalry  was  thrown  out, 
driving  in  the  enemy's  pickets  and  skirmishers,  when  the  skirts  of 
the  hill,  which  was  occupied  by  the  main  body  of  the  enemy,  was 
Tound  to  be  vacated,  and  their  last  lines  of  infantry  were  seen 
skulking  off  over  the  crests  of  the  hills  ou  the  east,  hurrying  in 
confusion  to  their  gunboats,  that  lav  in  profusion  a  few  miles  dis- 
tant, our  cavalry  hanging  on  and  pursuing  them  to  their  anxious 
covering.  Our  loss  was  only  five  killed  and  wounded.  The 
enemy's  loss  was  thirty-five  killed  and  wounded,  and  one  hundred 
and  twenty-five  prisoners.  Thus  ended  MoClellan'ajBkedaddle  No. 
2  from  Malvern  Hill.  Doubtless  the  lesson  taught  him  there.  |iir 
ks  before,  had  brought  up*  unhappy  associations,  which  eSd 
be  relieved  only  by  a  promenade  under  the  port-holes"  of  his  fi 
rite  "craft"  that  had  saved  him  from  the  rebel  grasp  after  his 
•mi  days'  round-about  walk  from  Richmond;  or  only  to  perform 
the  celebrated  strategy  of  a  valiant  French  general,  who 

"Marched  l"j  men  up  the  hill, 
Ami  marched  them  down  again." 


IS  SKI 


<-  ii  a  i'T  i:  a  II, 

*  t 

.>ur  lines  Rod  the  enemy's  continued  '.lie  Bame. 

■  ■ii  liy  thick. 

RicClellan'e  position  was  admirably 

•  •in.  iit-.    The  country  arouud,  in  tin-  bend 

For  the  d  H  Iswel  plain,  with  gently  rising 

hill-  |  -  of  the  liver,  overshadowed  By  till. 

behind   which    tin-   shrewd   Yankee   general   had 

b fully  Incited  and  laid  out  his  numerous  camps. 

itural  advantageous  surroundings  to  intercept  our 

einy  commenced  his  grand  begira  from  the  .limes 

I.  -  their  prisoners  and  deserters  say),  on 

ly  morning,  the  L5th.     The  first  intimation  our  cavalry  had  of 

it  m  -   turday  night,  the  liith.     Early  Sunday  morning  Gdner 

ral  Hampton  ordered  <>ut  the  North  Carolina »cavalry  to  make  a 

under  his  immediate  command.     He  advanced  • 

lirection  of  the  enemy's  camps,  Feeling  the  way 

be  approached  through   the  thick  woods.     The  outer 

w  1  to  have   been  im-iily  and    recently  deserted, 

behind  them  a  good  quantity  of  commissary  stoics.     The 

i   were  hit   in  a  nmilar  situation.      dust  as  tie' 

king,  moving  slowly  down  a  gradual  descent,  in  an 
trip  of  heavy  timber  in  front,  beyond  which 
n,  in  the  edge  of  a  corn-field,  the  enemy's  pickets.     General 
II    opi  mi  immediately  formed  the         menl   into  separate  detach- 
»  Ii,  preparatory  to  a  charge-     Skirmishers 

re  throw  ii  out.     The  advance  charged  the  first  post,  and  alter  a 
the  picki  driven  in.     The  enemy  had  drawn  up 

ud  the  corn,  at  the  farther  aide  of  an  open  wheat- 
General  Hampton's  clear,  calm  voice  rang  out ; 
1  rea  \<-  tped   from  their  scabbards,  ami  the 

whole  reginienl  by  squadrons  wenl  dashing  through  the  standing 

•  1'i'n  field, but  soon  saw  thaj  the  "skedaddling" 

pro;  of  our  enemies  were  predominant,  by  their  nastily 

[heir  backs  in  a  precipitate  nigh!    towards  their  only  ark 


| 


Hampton's  cavalry.  13 

i 

of  safety,  the  cowardly  covering  of  Yankee  gunboats.     The  pursuit 

was*  continued  on  till  within  a  mile  of  the  gunboats,  and  here 

formed  a  line  of  battle  about  dark.    The  command  quietly  awaited 

an  advance  of  the  enemy's  forces — General  McLaws'  division  being 

in  reserve  in  supporting  distance,  deeming  that  the  proximity  of 

our  presence  would  certainly  draw  them  out.     Night  wore  on,  but 

nothing  disturbed  the  quietude,  save  the  smuggled  ringing  of  an 

occasional  bell  of  the  gunboats  that  lay  off  in  the  river.     Sabres 

were  finally  returned  ;  the  men  dismounted  and  lay  down  on  the 

bare  ground,  with  bridle  in  hand,  and  slept  for  an  hour  or  two. 

When  our  scouts  returned,  having  ascertained   that  the  enemy's 

main  body  had  gone,  or  in  other  words  had  "changed  his  base," 

the  regiment   was  immediately  set  on  in   pursuit,  dashing  over 

broken  down  bridges  and  through  deserted  camps,  and  marching* 

till   nearly    daylight  ;    halted   and    took  a    few  moments'  repose  ; 

mounted  again  and  took,  up  the  pursuit.     In  passing   through  a 

deserted  camp  was  descried  on  a  board  posted  in  a  conspicuous 

place,  written  in  a  tolerably  legible  baud,  the  following  malevolent 

notice  : 

"Farewell  rebels,  we  leave  you  a  while  to  your  salubrious  clime, 
and  if  you  follow  us  up  we  will  g^ve  you  a  repetition  of  Williams-, 
burg,  Fair  Oaks,  Mechanicsville,  Gaines'  .Mill,  and  .Malvern  Hill. 
We  intend  to  conquer  and  restore  you  to  the  Union  yet.  We  will 
then  hang  Jeff.  Davis,  Beauregard  &  Co.;  and  take  your  men  for  a 
standing  army  to  defend  tin-  Union  for  all  time." 

ned)  FIRST  ILLINOIS  CAVALRY. 

What  a  compliment  the  latter  clause ;  as  by  the  time  they  sub- 
jugate ue  their  skedaddling  army  wont  have  virtue  enough  to 
defend  that  glorious  old  institution,  and  hive  to  entrust  it  to  the 
"ragged   rebels'"  they  so  much  deride.      Recoil  the  com- 

mencement of  the  war  that  same  boastful  spirit  gave  out  "  that 
tie'  nations  o|  fiurope  may  rest  assured  that  Jell'.  Davis  &  Co. 
would  be  swinging  from  the  battlements  at  Washington  at  least 
before  the  }  !,  ,,['  July.  We  spit  upon  a  later  and  Ion,-'!-  deferred 
justice."  Many  such  repetitions  a-  the  above  have  been  giveri; 
and  -tlul  author  and  his  conjurors  of  copperhead-  may  spit 

and  continue  to  spit  their  venom,  to  the  ejlhausti >f  the  last  drop 

of  hi 1  in   their  vie  .         ,i !  on  the   Cm  ,  m  of 


lent  we  will  mentiop. 

witli  itii  <>l«l  sign-board  pointii 

*   •     mmediately  underneath,  was 

l;  ■  hn 
i       I  nty-five  mites,  bood  be 

I  monument  of  derision.     We  would  sup- 
virtue  to  lead  them  vie- 
the  Southern  Pbilisth 

companied  that 

ii  that  delivered  God\a  choeen   people  from  the 

: 'liili.-tinic  Krani 

I       pnrsnil  pi   np  rapidly  till  about  noon,  when  near 

I      :i  ivalry  was  oaptnred,  and  also  some 

,.n  the  Charles  City  ami   James    Stiver 

rtaiiitil  that  the  enemy's  main  body  wai  too  for 

my  further  pursuit  practicable.     A  halt  was 

...        McOlellan's  worfaa       I       jin's 

and   M  .  In  approaching  the  last  line  <»l  fbrtifica* 

rtained  that  the  evacuation  was  complete.     II 

id  another  d<  «  >l  Yankee  ingenuity  and  strafe 

ling,  could  be  Been  bn  those  distant  works  sentinels 

gnlar  intervals,  with  full  equipments  clearly  visible, 

ition   finally  betrayed   them  ;   and,  upon 

mnd  how  nicfl'.   they  had  duped  us. 

'I  thorn   from  their  long  stand,  con- 

bust  proportions  of  rags  and   straw  to  the  four 

iid  appropriating  their  other  equipments  to  Confederate 

l  i n try,  wh  a  few  days  before  swarmed 

,,  Yankee  Boldiery,  was  now  ridden  of  their  hateful  presence, 

only  h<    '  station  w  il  gunboat  patrol* 

Ung  1 1     r  tin-  once  bappy  but   now  forsaken  country 

the  frightened  b  n  to  flv  ;  and  farther  np  from  tin-  river 

in   families  in  carts  and  wagone   returning  to  their 

polled   hoim  bwithfttanding   the   desolation   that   would 

•  t  them  thei  leerfui  and -delighted  at  the  idea 

.  beholding  the  t  where  their  once  happy  associ-„ 

cluster.      Hut    what   a  sad    seme   would   await 

m     their  ri  dismantled,  fences' destroyed,  every  living 

domestic  animal  disappi  crops  laid  iraste,  and  not 

."oin   the  overtroddt.ii  beds  to  welcome  tliem  back 


Hampton's  cavalry.  15 

again.     A  people  that  can  be  cheerful  under  such  circumstances, 

are  certainly  imbued  with  principles  of  a  cause  that  can  never  be 
shaken  from  its  base. 

Here  ingloriously  ended  the  last  act  in  the  drama  of  the  Young 
Napoleon's  favorite  Peninsula  route  to  Richmond,  giving  a  most 
ample  commentary  upon  the  {rite  old  couplet, 

"That  he  ^\ho  fights  and  runs  away, 
Will  live  to  fight  another  day." 


CHAPTER    III 


HAMPTON'S  COMMAND  WITHDRAWS  FROM  THE  CHICKAHOMINY — PUR- 
SUES THE  RETREATING  ENEMY  FROM  MANASSAS — PROCEED^  TO  THE 
POTOMAC. 

What  a  contrast  this  juncture  presented  in  our  affairs.  Here, 
from  the  outpost  below  Richmond,  our  cavalry  had  been  watching 
the  movements  of  the  enemy  upon  our  beleaguered  capital,  but 
were  soon  to  be  transported  by  the  sudden  rush  of  events,-and 
hurled  against  the  retreating  columns  of  another  portion  of  his 
over-confident  army,  and  to  vidette  almost  at  the  gates  of  his  own 
capital.  At  Cedar  Mountain,  on  August  9th,  Jackson's  never 
wavering  columns  met  and  victoriously  thrust  back  the  immense 
columns  of  the  braggart  Pope  ;  and  on  the  29th  and  30th,  on  the 
memorable  plains  of  Manassas,  his  combined  forces  were  again 
-defeated  and  routed  by  the  masterly  strategy  and  energy  of  oar 
generals.  All  our  cavalry  division,  except  our  brigade,  which 
was  hit  on  the  outpost  below  Richmond,  nnder  the  immediate 
command  of  General  J.  E.  B.Stuart,  was  actively  engaged  amid 
these  stinii  -.     In  the  meantime  we,  too,  were  withdrawn 

from  <>ur  line-,  with  our  horses'  beads  borth ward,  and  by  forced 
marches  cam  i  up  in.time  to  join  in  tic  pursuit  of  the  enemy  from 
the  scene  of  his  last  d  the  30th.     Accordingly,  on  the 

morning  of  the  2d  of  September,  Qampt  >n'a  fri  sh  troopers,  with  a 
pari  .  with  Hart1    battery  oi  Horse  Artillery, 


y,  under  the  imm-di- 

liieftain,  General  Stuart,  Bmiling  with 

411        id.    The  col- 

uni  ion  ol  !  I  '.  II.     JVhen  within  a 

ing  along  a  by-way  down 

thickly  timbered  hills.     Winding 

■  the  woods,  the  column 

the  thick  timber  on  the  hill- 

i  -mall  reconnoitering  party  was  led  by  Generals 

the  bills  to  within  a  short  distance  of 

.  ia  road,  three  miles'  above  Fairfax  0.  II. 

ered  about  a  mil  m  open 

latter,  with  thick,  In-. ivy  tim- 

'I  te  road  leading  from  Fairfax 

Mill  be;  "ii  which  it  was  presumed 

ng.     A   body  of  dismounted 

i  \.;hy.  under  Captain 

the  wood  mi  tin-  right   to  tully 

:   in  the  rear  and  bag  the 

Geld  I  renerals  Stuart,  Bampton,  and 

1  ;i  point  tion  on  a  little  knob  in  the  edjge  of 

■  1  on  this  side  of  the  run.     Bere  a  little  occurrence  took 

:   I  Bampton  his  life.     General 

tie  pile  of  timothy  hay.  and  his  wear 

moments'  repose.     General  Eampton 

w  ith  his  glass,  when  a  tall,  staf- 

1  trooper  on  the  track  <>t  the  party  just   passed, 

with  "1-  in  one  hand  and  an  old  Mississippi 

il  from  his  bronzed  brow,  turning 

, .    up  hi  blue  6)  es,  panting  for  breath, 

I  Bumpton:  "  Well,  Gineral,  I'm  a  leetle  behind! 

Did  >  -  ihi<  way  ?"     <  lontinumg  : 

p tin's  a  monstrous  good  hand  with  a  rifle, 

and  when  y<  iwn  thar  foi  started,  every  feller  with 

h  w  e  had  got  a  smart  chn 
n]i  the  inll  from  kind,  the  captin  tuck  my  rifle  and  told 

6  I   had  nuiliin'  but  -the. -e  tWO  old    tellers 

e  pistole  I   bad  a  mine  to  go  on 

taw.     Altho'  the 

captin.'ri  a  m  vith  a  gun,  I  can  hold  one  jest 


HAMPTON'S   CAVALRY.  17 

about  as  plum  as  the  common  run  ;  and  so  yee  see  I  run  back  and 
gathered  up  this  old  rifle  from  one  nv  the  boys,  and  that's  how  i 
cam  to  be  behind."     The  general,  smiling,  replied  :  "  It  don't  mat- 
ter, just  stay  \mve  with  me  ;  the  captain  is  gone  too  far  for  you  to 
overtake   him  now."     But  he  stil  icontinued.  with  the  earnestness 
of  a  true  heart:  "  Gineral.  jist  pint  out  the  course  and  1  kin  ketch 
up  yit.     I  can't  stand  it    to  sec  the  boys  go  into  a   frakus  'thout 
bein'  along  with  them  too."     The  general,  taking  his  gun,  asked 
him  if  it  was  loaded.     Ascertaining  that  it  was  not,  he  handed  it 
back,  and   ordered   him  to  charge  it  with  a  good   cartridge,  and 
pointed  out   to  him  the  Yankee  position  on  the  further  side  of  the 
held,  instructing  him  to  go  round  cautiously  through  the  wood  on 
the  left,  across  the  run,  and  creep  up  in  the  timber;  and  when  he 
heard   his   party  attack  on  the  other  side   he  could    have  a  chance, 
should  any  run  out  that  way,  and  also  to  find  a  crossing  for  artil- 
lery  over   the   run.     He  stealthily   hurried   olf   with   an    earnest, 
determined  tread.     General  Hampton,  to  satisfy  himself  as  to  a' 
crossing,  rode  directly  across  the  field*  to  the  run  through  a  thick 
undergrowth  of  ivy  and  laurel,  to  the  point  indicated  to  the  scout. 
who  came  hurrying  back  in  the  meantime,  and  with  an  earnest  and 
inquiring  look  asked   for  the  general.      He  was  answered  by  one  of 
his  aids   that  he   had   rode  down   there  (pointing  \fhere  he  came 
from).     "What   was   it?''     "Well,   yee    see,   as   1    was    down   thir 
slipin'  along  thru  the  bushes,  I  hears  a  man  riden  along  on  the 
tttther  side  uv  me.     The  bushes  was  moustPOUS  thick,  and  I  jist 
could  see  the  glimps  uv  a  person,  and  so  I  thought   be  was  after 
some  devilmeijt,  so  I  laid  my  old  rifle  by  a  tree,  awaiten  Cor  him  to 
show  himself  a  lee  tie   plainer.   -  My  bead  was  sot,  and  I  was  about 
to  pull  down  as  the  bushes  waved  a  leetle,  and  I  cotched  a  plainer 
glimpse  nv  his  clothe-.      I  thought  they  didn't  look  blue  enough  to 
pica-'  me,  and   the   hat,  too,  looked   a   leetle   like   the   gie.eral's  0kl 
broad  un  (General  Hampton  wears  a  broad  brimmed  black  felt  hat 
with  a  simple    Palmetto  device   on   the    underside  of  the   brim,  as 
familiar  to  his  men  as  In-  ad  so  1  dropped  my  finger  from 

tip.-  trigger.     And  if  il  wasn'l  the  gineral  nor  i i  of  "in   boys,  I 

didn't  want    I  .  and  mi  you  ait 

and   run  up  :  t,  then  I'd  go 

on  him  yit."     In  tic  meantime  General   Hampton  came  riding  up 
from  He-  sane-  direction.     With  a  smile  of  the  m  itis- 

teebmpanted   by   an  anxious   nod,  he  added;  "Well,  the 
3 


1  * 

11  ef  thingi  ie  fli 
nl!  •  I  of 

;  |  ited  it  mi  my 

ap."     In  the  meantime  the 
i  iddled  at  tin-  top  oA 
i  ?iler  retui  r  making  tl.  -  ay 

that  the  enemy's  columns  were  p 
i     II.  about  a  mile  and  a  half  dis- 
tant n  liis  fli  \         lingly  about  fonr  o'clock,  P. 
M.  i  moved  u|>  frem  th< 

q  the  highest  hills  that  run  up  from  the 

little  run,  and  opened  suddenly  and  furiously  apon 

be  X  :  kee  army,  which  oadeed  no 

litti  in   their   discomfitted   ranks.      Mending  their   par 

they  plunged  on  to  gel  beyond  the  reach  of  our  mur- 

that    wei  rough    their   ranks.      Heavy 

:  ike  wen  i  From  their  rear — 

1 1  artillery  i 

inonading  with  good  effect  until  nearly  Bun- 

ivalry  was  sent  on  in  pursuit,  the  North  Carolina 

When  opposite  the  OootI   House,  the  com- 

'/.I  a  down  to  the  village  and  the 

■  the  main  ro  .  capturing  a  consid- 

iy  about  a  mile  up  this  road,  while  a  con- 

i't  Souse.    The  whole  body 

then  in  up  tins  road  after  the  retreatii  of  the 

•  f  prisoners  all  along  the  road.    Nigtrt 

on.    The  pursuit  w  -  pushed  on  till 

■  k,  when  one  of  those  unfortunate  occurrences  took 

pursuits.     B  ith  sides  of  the   road  were 

.  timber.     While  moving  on  down  to  the 

lnu-ketiv  was  suddenly  poured  down 

nit-  behind  the  timber  on  both  sides.    This  sudden 

I  falter,  bul  the  cool  and  en- 

ihein.  and  they  were  prepar- 

w  hen  ti.  artillery,  from  an  advanta- 

d   upon  US,  and  eping  the   road  with 

the    wood    from    all   sid.  I    to   be 

have  attempted  any 
furtl  would  h  u  Balaklava  rashness.    Thecom- 


Hampton's  cavalry.  19 

mand  was  wheeled  about  and  drawn  off  in  good  order  about  two 
hundred  yards  back  from  this  position,  and  were  drawn  up  in  an 
open  field  for  an  attack,  but  no  sooner  than  formed  the  enemy's 
firms;  suddenly  ceased.  A  reoonnoitering  party  was  sent  out,  who 
reported  that  the  enemy  had  moved  off  and  were  making  good  time 
Up  the  Alexandria  road.  Our  loss  in  the  affair  was  miraculously 
slight.  Any  further  pursuit,  under  the  circumstances  of  darkness 
and  the  superior  advantages  of  an  ambuscade,  was  deemed  imprac- 
ticable :  and  the  command  was  withdrawn,  and  bivouacked  for  the 
night  near  by  the  road.  Early  next  morning  the  pursuit  was 
again  taken  up,  and  pushed  on  vigorously  to  within  five  miles  of 
Alexandria,  during  which  time  we  captured  several  batches  of  pris- 
oners ;  then  turned  to  the  left  up  the  Drainsville  turnpike,  followed 
the  road  a  few  miles,  then  turned  to  the  right.  Passing  above 
Georgetown,  we  bivouacked  on  the  banks  of  the  Potomac.  Next 
day  scouted  near  Georgetown,  where  a  body  of  Yankee  cavalry 
were  encountered,  and  dispersed  them  after  killing  and  capturing  a 
number.  The  next  day,  September  5th,  took  up  the  line,of  march, 
and  passed  through  Drainsville,  on  to  Leesburg. 


CHAPTE R    I  V . 

THE   POTOMAC   INTO    MARYLAND-    CAPTURE    OF    POOLSVILLE 
YANKEE    scons    CAPTURE    IMPORTANT   DESPATCHE9 — OUR   CAVALRY 
RECAPTURE   THEM  HBTANOES    ALTER    CABE8      FIGHTS   IX  FRED- 

ERICKTOWN,  MIDDLETON,  OH.  RFCKETTSVlLLE  ROAD,  k.HD  SOUTH  Mo!  \- 
TA1X  I  IPTURE  oF  HARPER'S  FERRY— THK  BATTLE  OF  ANTIBTAN  .\ 
REMARK  ABLE  COINCIDENCE — AFFAIR  AT  BOTELER's  MILL. 

In  approaching  Li    sbur£,  the  different  Commands  of      ir  army 
had  halted  and  were  I3  ing  in  the  vicinity  :  and  tin'  immense  clouds 
of  dust  risinLr  from  tin'  different  roads  converging  t"  that  poinl 
.from  the  south,  indicated  that  tin-  others  were  on  the  qwi  •  ■ 

ing  up.     Our  column  fil « -<  1  on  pasl  and  rested  a  few  hOurs-on 

tin-  skirts  of  the  town  ;  and  j  son 

a  >inkiiiv.  behind  tl-  ,  lull.'',  the  advai  mnded, 


• 

and  •  street*  of 

tin-  h  :  debouching  to  the  right,  filed  down  the  last 

hills  that  OverlOo  !'  I  ted  on  its  banks, 

vi'  the  I  i  leven  months  before 

The  conjectures  as  to  our 

Tit—  wen  The  Potomac  was 

to  b(  music  both  from  the  Virginia  and 

■lK-k  op,  and  continued  discoursing  their  most  in- 

•liiil  airs.    The  v  .1  worn  soldier  momentarily 

cherished  hopes  lay 

re  him.     The  moot)  and  stare  never  shone  more  brightly 

on  th*  plncid  rolling  •  .  this  classic  Btream — though  many  ;i 

heart  silently  beal  with  ind<  finite  longings  and  sad  forebodings,  as 

i  iJiat   thai  same   bright  moon  would  shim'  on 

this.     Her  gentle  rays  were  soon  t<> 

play  ny  a  cold  pale  face,  the  gurgling  waters  alone  to  hum 

ithout    any  interruption,  as  our  advance  had 
a  small    body  of  cavalry  that  lied  at 

their  approach.    The  march  was  pursued  without  any  obstacle  to 
ight  miles  from  the  river,  where  our  advance  en- 

tl    unsunpectil  -  of  Yankee   cavalry,   and   after   a. 

.   -h  in  the  Btreets  succeeded  in  entirely  routing  and 
_r  thrin.  killing,  wounding  and  capturing  thirty.     Here 
baited  and  i  d  for  the  rest  of'  the  night,  and 

imed  the  march  early  next  morning  (September  6th),  with  the 
Irv  in  the  advan  \  sing  through 

the  '  le,  bearing  to  the  right  of  u  range  of  moun- 

knuwn  as  tl  "  we  were  quietly  pursuing 

.1  by-way  leading  around  the  base  of  these  moun- 
tains, when  an  alarming  incident  occurred,  that  (Mine  well  nigh 
iously  the  ensuing  campaign.    The  Government  de- 
the  matter  relative  to  the  present- campaign 
upon  which  the  Confederates  had  just  entered,  were  entrusted  to 

our  cavalry,  who,  with  a  courier,  had  incau- 
T i • . 1 1 - 1  y  rO  l«  "ii  ahead  of  the  advance  -nard  a  Bhort  distance,  when 
they  were  assailed  by  a  small  party  ol  Yankee  cavalry  springing 
suddenly  upon  them  in  the  bdnd  of  the  road.  The  bearer  a;id  all 
the  despatch  !  ;  the  courier  succeeded  in  escaping 

back  tO  the  advance  guard,  who  under  Captain  liuilili  were  led   on 


Hampton's  cavalry.  21 

in  instant  pursuit,  which  was  anxiously  and  vigorously  kept  up  for 
four  miles,  when  tlie  objects  werJP  suddenly  overtaken,  being  only 
an  officer  and  private  of  the  Yankee  signal  corps  in  charge  of  the 
prisoner.  They,  strange  to  say,  had  not  examined  the  portman- 
teau conspicuously  appended  to  the  pommel  of  the  saddle,  but  had 
leisurely  called  at  a  farm  house  on  the  roadside,  not  dreaming  that 
their  quiet  would  be  so  suddenly  intruded  upon.  The  officer,  as 
the  affair  turned  out,  being  a  romantic  youth,  while  on  signal  duty 
oa  these  mountains  had  signalized  to  Cupid,  who  had  exchanged 
his  mischievous  darts  between  him  and  the  old  farmer's  daughter, 
a  bouncing  lass  of  "sweet  sixteen,"  and  had  doubtless  called  in  his 
course  to  have  a  tete-a-tete,  to  relate  the  adventures  of  the  moraine 

o 

to  his  lady  love.  But  he  found  his  romance  broken  in  upon  as  our 
dusty  troopers  dashed  up  to  the  house  and  led  him  out  from  the 
cozy  embraces  of  his  mountain  Delilah,  who  had  plowed  so 
deeply  into  his  affections  as  to  have  shorn  him  of  the  bright  hon- 
ors which  would  have  awaited  him  from  his  sensational  masters  at 
Washington  from  the  circumstances  of  such  an  important  capture. 
The  weeping  lass  mingled  her  sobs  with  his  further  mortification 
as  General  Stuart,  who  had  just  rode  up,  inflicted  the  right  of 
search  upon  his  person,  extracting  something  more  than  love  docu- 
ments, which  was  found  to  be  a  matter  of  some  military  importance 
to  us.  After  this  occurrence  we  pursued  our  march  quietly  on  to 
the* little  village  of  Urba.ua,  where  Generals  Stuart  and  Hampton 
iblished  their  headquarters. 
Our  sudden  advent  into  the  State  of  Maryland  caused  no  little 
surprise  to  the  inhabitants.  One  particular  instance  moves  us  t o 
give  ;in  amusing  incident.  Just  before  reaching  iTrbana,  General 
Hampton's  quartermaster  sent  forward  a  man  to  procure  forage  for 
the  coqamand,  wh<>  calli  d,  a  Bhoel  distance  above  the  town,  upon  a 
wealthy  old  Union  farmer,  who  niei  him  at  the  gate  and  kindly  in- 
vited him  to  conic  in.     The  dusty  trouper  asked  Id  be  excused,  and 

informed  him  that  he  wished  to  buy  some  corn  for  his  command. 
The  old  farmer  very  frankly  responded  that  he  really  did  not  b 
it  to  spare;  but  sympathizing]}-  continued:  "The  war  must  1:0  on, 
the  Government  must  be  kept  op,  and  the  horse-  must  be  i'ad.  and 
so  I  must  let  you  have  the  quantity  you  aak  for.  JiA,  here  Jim," 
lie  called  to  a  group  of  sleek  1  little  and  big,  young  and  old, 

who  bad  swarmed  oat  from  their  cabins  and  were  standing  ni 


I 
-ity    upon     the    booted     an  d    Bpur 

.  likely  wing  his  ivory  between  his 

W.-ll.  .1  i in.  |  rn  will  your  wagOU  hold?' 

tinif  r.'inarki1  .it  hauled  tut  to  camp). 

I  could  go  two  times 
II :  waul  folks  anybo 

W        <  anothei  roup  wb  r  as 

much  will  your  wagon  bold?" 
"i  hold  ton  oarls — more  an  Jim 

••  W<  the  other,  aubduing  his  ji  kin  'vid*3  it. 

and  : 

cp  your  teams  quiok,  boys,  and  load  up  the  corn."    To 

which  tl  -  suited  the  action  to  the  order.    Turning  to  the  >ol- 

with  an  air  of  indwelling  satisfaction,  "Well/my  friend,  let  me 

here  I  -hall  deliver  this  norn;and  I  will  have  it  taken  right 

I  am  a  man  that   gdea  in  for  accommodating  the 

former,  turning  and  pointing  to  a  column  of  dust  rising  at 

tin-  vill  ige,  "  I  86  ■  iv    C  Miiinaiid   moving  up  iu>\\".  and 
will  gallop  down  and  ascertain  where  General  Hampton  will  locate 
nip." 

"Halloo!"  i'  nervously  replied;  "stop!  stop!     What? 

•  ral  Hampton  ?" 
oeral  Wade  Elampton,  of  South  Carolina  ;  it's  his  cavalry 
yonder  ;  it'-  him  you  sgree  i"  feed." 
"  lint  1  can't,  I  can'1  :  I  ve  got  no  corn  to  span-  ;  circumstances 
alt'  G     to  my  neighbor  Johnston,  over  there.!    1  aim   got 

none  to!  1:1  let  any  more  ■■  stock  will  Buffer." 

"Ah!  my  old  fellow,"  the*  former  sternly  replied,"]  have  you 
now      The  '  "in  mutt  coma,  the  contract  must  be  rilled." 

Well,1   icratohing  his  heed  and  resuming  a  calmer  tone."!  he 
if  this  aiut  tukin'  a  fellow  by  the  nap#withonl  letting  him 
▼  anything  about  it." 
SuflS  Id  "  F^d'-  "  oorn  was  duly  delivered  by  the  time 

our  hungry  borseu  were  unsaddled. 

i   thifl   point    our   lines  ran  to  the  Potomac  helow    Poolsville. 

Hampton  on  the  left  and  the  other  cavalry  on  the  righl  picketed 

down  towards  Washington.      Uur 


Hampton's  cavalry.  23 

lines  here  were  repeatedly  and  vigorously  assailed  by  the  Yankee 
cavalry — especially  that  part  held  by  the  braVe  and  gallant  Fitz. 
(  Lee.  He  was  attacked  on  two  occasions,  of  the  details  of  which  we 
are  unable  to  speak ;  but  sufficient  to  say,  those  veteran  troopers 
gallantly  repulsed  them,  and  held  the  line  against  overwhelming 
odds  of  the  enemy.  That  part  of  the  line  held  by  General  Hampton 
was  loss  interrupted.  However,  the  enemy  assailed  that  part  of 
the  line  on  the  main  Washington  road  late  in  the  evening  of  the 
10th;  but  by  the  timely  reinforcements  of  the  North  and  South 
Carolina  Cavalry  they  were  immediately  driven  off. 

In  the  meantime  our  whole  army  having  come  up,  halted  and 
rested  on  the  tfonocacy  River  near  Fredericktown  up  to  the  8th 
inst.,  and  had  now  all  passed  on  over  the  Blue  Ridge  to  play  their 
programme  in  the  capture  of  Harper's  Ferry.  Their  thinks  requir- 
ing no  further  protection  from  this  quarter,  the  cavalry  was  accord- 
ingly drawn  in.  The  enemy  was  found  to  be  moving  up  in  several 
columns  on  the  different  roads  leading  from  Washington  city,  and 
had  advanced  to  within  a  few  miles  of  Urbana.  Late  in  the  after- 
noon of  the  11th  the  command  moved  slowly  off  from  this  point  in 
the  face  of  the  enemy,  and  reached  Fredericktown,  nine  mile* dis- 
tant, and  bivouacked  hen-  for  the  nighl  without  any  interruption. 
From  the  eminence  on  which  Fredericktown  stands  the  enemy's 
cavalry  was  seen  early  next  morning  upon  our  rear,  closely  followed 
by  his  infantry  and  artillery  in  solid  .-olumn. 

A  detachment  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  men.  under  the  imme- 
diate command  of  General  Hampton,  was  formed  as  a  rear  guard, 
while  the  main  body  and  the  trains  moved  out,  filing  to  the  left  on 
the  Eagerstown  turnpike.  The  rear  guard,  led  by  Hamilton  in 
person,  met  about  noon,  ai  the  skirts  of  the  town,  the  advance  of  a 
considerable  body  of  Yankee,  cavalry,*  when  a' sharp  hand-to-hand 
conflict  ensued,  which  resulted  in  driving  them  back  agninsl  their 
main  body.  They  were  rallied  and  followed  our  Little  band,  who 
slowly  retired,  filing  to  the  left  behind  the  corner,  wheejed  abbot 
and  prepared  to  receive  the  confident,  unsuspecting  enemy,  who 
e  dashing  on  up  to  the  corner  in  line  style,  led  by  a  portly 
Pennsylvania  colonel,  mounted  on  a  splendid  black  chai 
aouTHged  by  an  occasional  wavo  of  linen  from  some  female  Union- 
ist,™   l  flap  fi    .i  soi snt  huskstjc  old  shoei  tprop  as  he 

passed.     A-  he  nettted  the  corner,  waving  In-  aabre,  he  -hoi 
me  on,  boys,  let'  em  h— 1."    Hampton's  little  band  stood 


ablems  from  the  bal* 
0  1  at  them  at  tin*  oor- 

I  by  the  plash  of  -  ib 
•I  had  the  usual  effect  on  5? 
i  our  little  1 » « » ■  1  v .  bad 

their  main  l  ciug*in  n  ptd 

1 1  isurely  drawn  off.     En  pu 

cowardly  miscreant  fired 
[lamp!  p  issed.     Our  loss  was 

•  til  mis  ring.    The  enem  Bve 

kill  .1  wound  ight  captured.     Amongthel 

lantly  I  *  ■  <  I  ii  1  i      capture  was 

:  :  il  courage  and  daring  worthy  of 

A-  b<  «  ••  nearing  the  corner  at  the  head  of  hia  column, a 

impetuously  dashed  at  him  with  drawn 

.  off  and  liis  Babre  wrung 

;-  p  irry  of  his  expert  antagonist. 

t  Yank  was  raising  the  Qua]  blow,  the  trooper1 

■  thai  of  the  other  :  darting  under  the  descend' 

fell  harmlessly  over  him,  and  before  his  blow  was 

■  .  I.  with.  instantly  seized  his  antagonist  by  the 

ml  wrenched  him  from  his  saddle  violently  upon  the 

Yankee  -  ing  out,  "  I'm   your 

B  w  \n    ■     ured   and   placed   in 

II  imp  ton's  livers,  which  since  bea  carried  hia  rebel  rider 

lv(  uture. 

h  many  left   behind   the  loyal   oitizena  of  this 

lojourii  bad  contributed  freely  of  their 

aforts  "l  our  wearied  and  worn  soldiers.     The 

tr.n  airy  and  the  rumbling  ol  hia  numerous  ar 

mi  ted  a  sad  bul   pleasing  contrast,  as  the  gentle 

. ■•  vent  in  i lie  sweetesl  tones  to 

the  tune  uf  Di  B     uieBluel  we  retired,  and,  wav- 

ih  the  pari  G  u."     True,  our  fondest 

if  their  entering  t ;  yet 

«.ut  ,,<   i  .  b  will  state,  that   five  hundred  young 

f  the  first  ur  Btand  ird  and  followed  us 

from  their  bop  it   ami  an- still  fighting  our  bat- 

ties-    And  b  >v   i  uls  will  be  exiles  Heaven  only 

km-  I  :  a  free  land  ;  and  although  their 


Hampton's  cavalry.  '25 


mother  home  may  be  derided  and  her  private  motives  spurned,  the 
tyrant's  grasp  must  one  day  relax,  and  then  Maryland  must  rise 
redeemed.  •  , 

Onr  march  was  pursued  without  any  immediate  pursuit  on  the 
part  of  the  enemy.  They  seemed  content  with  marching  and 
counter  marching  through  the  streets  as  though  the  whole  army 
was  on  simple  patrol  duty.  Late  in  the  evening  his  immense  col- 
umns could  be  seen  debouching  out  from  the  streets  and  covering 
the  open  fields  on  both  sides  the  turnpike.  Passing  en  before  him 
through  this  beautiful  valley,  we  gained  the  base  of  the  first  range 
of  mountains  beyond  Fredericktown,  known  as  the  "Catoctin 
Range."  The  gap  through  which  the  turnpike  passes  is  ap- 
proached by  a  gentle  acclivity  nearly  on  a  straight  line  fr  an  the 
base  to  tin1  summit.  The  extreme  summit  of  the  gap  is  overlooked 
by  high  ridges  rising  on  the  right  and  left  of  the  road,  still  running 
up  to  loftier  proportions  as  it  recedes  from  the  pass.  On  the  sum- 
mit in  this  pa^s  two  pieces  of  artillery  were  placed  in  position,  and 
a  detachment  from  the  "Jeff.Davw  Legion,"  under  Colonel  Martin, 
was  left  behind  to  picket  and  keep  a  watoh  out  on  the  movements 
of  the  enemy,  while  the  main  body  moved  on  down  the  raountaii^ 
through  Middleton,  a  dingy  mountain  hamlet  at  the  base,  on  Catoc- 
tin Creek,  on. the  other  side  of  which  the  brigade  bivouacked  for 
the  night.  Early  next  morning  the  enemy  advanced  and  attacked 
Colonel  Martin,  who  was  making  a  vigorous  defence  with  his  little 
body,  when  General  Hampton  joined  him  with  the  rest  of  the  brig- 
ade, with  orders  to  hold  it  as  long  as  practicable  that  day.  Part  of 
the  command  were  dismounted,  and  placed  along  the  clilfs  that 
overlooked  the  road  as  sharpshooters  :  two  more  pieces  of  artillery 
were  placed  in  position  on  the  extreme  ridge.  Early,  about  mid* 
way  bet  icktown  and  the  mountain,  the  Immense  ool. 

iiinii  '»r  tii-  enemy,  with  his  long  lines  of  cavalry  in  front,  followed 
by  \n>  artillery,  anil  the  road*  as  far  back  ty  seemed  t<>  be 

one  moving  mass  ol  iufauiry,  were  on  the  advance.  From  this 
point  the  grand  je  ;  thasubjacenl  country  stretches  out  to 

the  view:  e.i tai acts  dashing  from  the  mountain  sides, swelling  into 
riven  and  sweeping  in  their  course  through  the  green  Gelds  thai 
ornate  tho  valle  ;  neat  white  cotl  iverhu'ng  by  the 

clustering  vine,  .lotted  the  subjacenl  country  around]     Hut  tfa 

5    to  the  unhallowed  shoe' 

war.    The  enemy's  columns  came  moving;  on.  up  the  valley  about 

1 


SKI   !•   I!!  -     PBOM 

vnlry  in  rtil- 

3  in  immediate  supporting  distance,  arrived  at  the 
the  mouotaii   .  ed  to  within  a  mile  and  a  half  of 

1 1   •   ■  Blake)}1  pi<  tied  from 

the  summit  with  good  effect,  plunging  their  solid  balls  into  their 
ranks,  driving  him  back  down  the  mountain  Bides,  when  his  artillery 
broughl  to  the  front,    A  lively,  duel  was  kept  up  for  two  hours, 
doing  do  damage,  the  projectiles  of  bis  heavy  field  pieces  plowing 
nntain  Bidet,  below  08,  or  just  over  the  ridge,  falling 
harmlessly  in  the  valley  beyond.     Hia  cavalry  made  several  at- 
tempts to  advance,  but  weT  I  back  by  our  well  directed 
shot        i       r  advance  skirmishers  came  round  on  the  righl  to 
flank  the  position  held  by  the  North  Carolinians,  but  their  trust} 
rillc  cai               lit  them  skedaddling  back,  killing  and  wounding 
■  ml  of  their  number.    The  enemy  accordingly  about  one  o'clock 
a  Btrong  force  in  fronl  at  the  base,  as  if  to  carry  the4 
ult.  and  commenced  the  ascent.     But  our  few  pii 

skilfully  woH  i  check  and  considerably 

rd  their  ]>r<  Our  diamounted  skirmishers  fought  and 

!  tilt-in  hack  till  all  our  pieces  were  drawn  off,  and  retired  al 
two  </.Li.-k-  down  tin-  western  Blopes  of  tin-  mountain,  makin 
stand  at  the  eastern  Bkirta  ol    If  iddleton,  with  only  Hampton's 
airy  at  that  point.     A  few  miles  beyond  lay  tin-  South  Mountain 
iiirh  the  road  passi     to  Sageratown  through  a  nar- 
row and  difficult 'pass,  known  aa  "  Boonsboro'  Gap."    To  the  h-t't. 
in   the  direction   ot    B  erry,  is  another  pass,  known  aa 

tmpton'i   I 

\.iv  dow  sweeping  around  and  environing  llar- 
and  the  enemy  with  anxious  tread  was  bending  on  to 
th.-  relief  of  thai  beleaguered  place.      Stuart's   cavalry  had   for 
era!  daj  -  past  I  1 1  d  banging  in  bis  front,  impeding  his  progi 

p.     All  the  reat^of  our  army  lay  beyond  the  mountain 
up  in  the  dire<  tion  <>f  Hagerstown  :  and  so  the  enemy  had 
t..  be  held  in  thia  valley  that  day,  till  our  infantry  could  gel  hack 
and  take  position  in  th<  meet  the  advancing  hosts  ol 

IfcGleJlan.    About  four  o'clock  in  the  evening  the  enemy  came 
teeming  through  the  bad  just  evacuated,  and  with  exulting 

ata came  pouring  down  the  slopes.    The  North  Carolina' 
airy,  under  Colonel  Baker,  was  posted  on  the  eastern  skirls  oi  tho 

village  to  oppose  them;   the  other  regiments  of  Hampton'fl  cavalry 


Hampton's  cavalry.  27 

being  withdrawn   across    Catoctin   Creek  and   drawn   up  on  the 
other  side,  with   the    artillery.      The    enemy's    cavalry  advanced 

♦  down  upon  us  with  files  of  infantry  sharpshooters  on  each  side  ; 
the'3  were  met  by  a  squadron  of  mounted  and  dismounted  men 
under  Captain  Siler,  a  brave  and  daring  officer  of  the  North  Caro- 
lina cavalry,  who  gallantly  fouglit  and  repulsed  the  advance. 
The  whole  regiment  was  exposed  to  a  most  murderous  fire  of  the 
enemy's  artillery  from  the  mountain  sides  above.  Our  brave  bo)rs 
were  falling,  and  the  enemy  were  attempting  to  flank  the  body 
from  above  and  below,  and  to  hold  the -place  any  longer  was  im- 
practicable :  and  by  the  brave  and  admirable  conduct  of  Captain 
Siler,  who  formed  the  rear  guard,  notwithstanding  his  thigh  had 
been  shattered  by  a  ball,  he  stood  firm  against  the  overwhelming 
odds,  and  held  the  enemy  in  check  in  front,  while  Colonel  Baker, 
with  the  remaining  squadrons,  with  great  coolness  and  decision 
successfully  repelled  the  enemy's  movements  to  intercept  him  at 
the  creek,  and  safely  withdrew  the  regiment  across  Catoctin  Creek 
under  a  most  terrible  converging  artillery  fire  from  the  mountain 
slopes  above,  while  Captain  Hart  dashed  with  his  Horse  Artillery 
to  an  immediate  hill  that  commanded  the  pike  on  the  Middleton 
Bide,  and  worked  his  favorite  Blakelys  with  powerful  energy  and 
effect  upon  the  enemy's  advancing  columns,  holding  them  in  check 
until  ordered  to  retire.  Our  loss  in  these  engagements  was  mostly 
in  wounded,  while  the  enemy's  loss  must  have  been  considerable, 
from  the  visible  effect  of  our  sharpshooters  and  artillery  on  his 
ranks, 

The  whole  brigade  moved  off,  turning  to  the  left  down  the  Bnck- 
ettsville    Road;     Having    proceeded   about  five   miles,  in   passing 

through  a  thick  wood  where  a  road  runs  up  from  the  left  at  right 
angles  to  OM  road,  a  large  body  of  Yankee  cavalry  was  seen  Bud- 
denry  dashing  upon  ua  from  this  road.  Just  at  thai  time  the  rear 
of  the  Cobb  Legion  was  passing.  The  quick  eye  of  Colonel  Young 
perceived  tins  Midden  dash,  and  immediately  wheeled  and  led  his 

'men  impetuously  against  them;  and  after  a  short  but  desperate 
conflict, succeeded  in  routing  them.     His  gallant  men  set  upon  them, 
cutting  them  down  as  they  broke  and  fled  in  the  wildesl  confine 
Their  officers  attempted  to  rally  them,  bal  that  savage  rebel  yell 
ead  clashing  added  an  impetus  to  their  flight.     It  was  with 

■  nity  that  General  Hampton  could  call  the  impetuous  troopers 
oli.  as  it  was  important  that  the  next  mountain   pass  should  be 


rCHES  f"R< 

-  possible.     The  ei    ttiy.'B  loss  waa  forty  killed  and 
wounded,  an  officer  and  sevefa]  privates  captured.     Our  loss  was 
m  ded  ;  among  'lie  wounded  was  the  gallant  and* 
i   Colonel  Soung,  who  had  his  leg  shattered  by  a  ball 
in  the  latteV  pari  of  the  engagement. 

1  •  being  now  near  lundown,  bhe  confmand  was  moved  on  without 
any  farther  interruption  to  its  destination,  a  pass  on  South  Moun- 
tain. Here  we  bivouacked  for  the  bight  on  our  position.  This 
-  formed  the  extreme  right  flank  of  our  forces.  On  the  ensu- 
ing day  (Sunday,  tbe  14th),  the  forces  of  D.  H.  Hill  were  moving 
up.  and  had  occupied  the  Boonsboro'  Pass,  while  a  small  detach- 
ment of  MeLaws'  division  bad,  during  the  night,  moved- up  and 
occupied  Crampton's  Pass.  Our  brave,  weary,  foot-sore  infantry 
quietly  slept  on  their  arms,  oblivious  of  the  near  and  frequent  vol- 
oi  their  fellow  comrades,  skirmishing  at  intervals  during  the 
night.  All  nighl  the  approaching  tramp  of  the  enemy  could  be 
heard  nearing  the  position  of  our  army.  The  day  at  length — a 
calm  Sabbath  day— opened  auspiciously.  A  bright  sun,  as  the  fog 
of  the  valley  early  lifted  itself  away,  rose  and  reflected  its  rays  cvn 
a  cloudless  sky.  Prom  the,  little  hamlets  in  the  foreground, 
between  the  two  hostile  parties,  could  early  be  Been  the  terror- 
stricken  inmates  rushing  out  and  precipitately  hurrying  to  and  fro 
to  .-cape  the  coming  missiles  ol  destruction  that  had  already  com* 
menced  at  "long  taw"  hurtling  through  the  air.  The  narrow  val- 
ley below  seeiind  to  be  one  moving  mass  of  Yankee  soldiery.  The 
grant  and  freshly  recruited  armies  of  McClellan  and  Burcside  now 
stood  out  in  skirmishing  distance,  and  their  long  lines  were  still* 
pouring  from  the  south  through  the  Catoctin  Pass,  and  pitted 
againsl  this  immense  and  well  apportioned  host,  were  only. eight 
thousand  Confederate  soldiers,  worn  down  by  lasting  and  oyer- 
"marching.  Led  by  thai  cool,  intrepid  Christian,  1).  H.  Hill,  of  Bethel 
lame,  on  whom  the  God  of  Battles  had  so  visibly  smiled. 

<  If   the  details  of  this  hard  foiml.it   bailie  we  shall  not  attempt  to 

Bpeak.    The  enemy  appreciating  the  difficulty  in  approaching  our 

position, an  assault  was  early  and  furiously  made  on  the  position  at 
Boonsboro.' Gap  by  his  heaver  artillery,  and  then,  continued  ill  along 
the  line.     Mueketrj  I  general  about  two  o'clock.     Up  to  that 

time  all  of  his  assaults  on  OUr  little  band  had  been  successfully  met 
and  repulsed,  except  the  position  held  by  the  brave  and  lamented 
Garland,  whose  brigade  had  been  thrown  on  an  advance  position 


Hampton's  cavalry.  l!(.» 

on  the  side  of  the  mountain,  that  fought  more  furiously,  and  prob- 
ably did  more  execution,  on  that  desperate  day,  than  any  other 
troops.  An  epitome  of  their  noble  conduct  may  not  be  out  of 
place  here.  Early  in  the  action  this  gaEfent  officer  fell.  His  de- 
voted men,  composed  entirely  of  North  Carolinians,  alter  they  saw 
him  borne  lifeless  off  the  field,  unflinchingly  held  their  position. 
Five  of 'the  best  brigades  of  Burnside's  corps  closed  around  this 
brigade.  A  remnant  of  them  cut  their  way  through.  The  Twen- 
tieth Regiment  K.  C.  T.,  of  this  brigade,  made  its  way  out,  and 
gained  a  position  on  a  steep  side  of  the  mountain,  behind  a  rough 
stone  fence,  and  with  their- unerring  rifles  were  dealing  death  by 
the  wholesale  into  the  ranks  of  the  enemy  as  they  would  attempt 
the  ascent.  Their  position  gave  the  enemy's  artillery  below  no 
chance  at  them  ;  they,  hmvever,  succeeded  in  rolling  a  piece  by 
hand  through  a  thick  timber  on  the  right,  and  unobserved  had 
placed  it  in  position,  so  as  to  command  the  space  behind  the  stone 
fence.  Here  Captain  .1.  B.  Atwell  took  out  his  company  and1 
secreted  them  in  musket  range  behind  a  ledge  of  rocks,  picking 
the  gunners  off  as  fast  as  they  could  take  position  around  their 
gun  ;  they,  however,  seemed  nothing  daunted  at  the  fate  of  their 
comrades,  but  promptly  took  their  places,  only  to  make  the  lifeless 
heap  higher.  But  while  this  effective  work  was  going  on,  the 
.enemy's  infantry  clambered  up  on  the  mountain  sides  and  came. 
pouring  round  in  disproportionate  numbers  on  the  little  band. 
Here  the  noble  Atwelt  fell  mortally  wounded.  His  men  succeeded 
in  bearing  his  body  off,  cutting  their  way  back  to  the  main  body  at 
the  gap.  Our  position  was  a  strong  one,  on  which  to  manoeuvre  a 
small  body  of  men  ;  and  skilfully  did  the  gallant  Hill  handle  his 
little  handful,  holding  his  position  on  the  ridge  and  slopes  around 
iiie  pas.-,,  against,  the  shock  of  "Overwhelming  odds,  sheltering  his 
men  behind  the  'cliffs  and  stone  fences,  with  comparatively  small 
loss,  exj-eot  the  brigade  above  mentioned.  In  the  meantime  that 
pari  of  McLaws'  division  were  gallantly  contending  on  the  right  at 
Crampton's  Fass.  Here  only  a  part  of  Cobb's  Georgia  brigade, 
with  tb«  Sixth  and  Twelfth  Virginia  Regimenlte, held  the  pass  till 
late  in  the  evening  against  nine  brigades  of  Franklin's  grand  Fed- 
eral division,  and  retired  <»nlv  after  the  ammunition  had  been 
entirely  exhausted. 

Our  cavalry  w  ,•.!  during  the  day  in  desultory  skirmish- 

ing on  the  extreme   right.     The  -grand  Yankee  army  corps  *' of 


10  BOM 

Hooker  and  Burnside,  with  Heintzleman  in  reserve,  came  pressing 

up  in  the  evening,  hoping  thereby  to  throttle  our  little  band  by 

•  numbers.     But   our  artillery  from  the  summit  raked  their 

advancing  columns  with  such  immense  havoc,  while  our  deadly 
musketry  I'rom  the  dill's  beneath  were  dealing  such  destruction 
into  their  faltering  ranks,  as  to  cause  them  to  break  for  more 
wholesome  coVer.  They  would  reform  and  throw  fresh  troops  for- 
ward with  much  the  same  results,  till  night  put  an  end  to  the 
bloody  Bcene. 

About  i<n  o'clock  that  night  General  Hill  evacuated  the  posi- 
tion, and.  without  any  show  of  pursuit  on  the  part  of  the  enemy, 
withdrew  his  forces  in  the  direction  of  Sharpshurg,  his  object  on 
Sunday  being  accomplished — to  hold  the  enemy  in  check  till  the 
Harper's  Ferry  programme  was  carried  out. 

Our  cavalry  withdrew  in  the  latter  part  of  that  night  in  the 
direction  of  Harper's  Perry,  picketing  on  the  road  leading  over  the 
.Maryland  Heights  to  that  place,  from  which  point  we  will  indulge 
a  glance  at  this  notable  spot,  so  conspicuous  both  before  and  in  the 
history  oflhe  present  war. 

From  a  stand-point  on  these  Maryland  Heights,  that  run  up 
from  the  north  bank  of  the  Potomac,  spreads' out  to  the  view  per- 
haps one  of  the  most  stupendous  scenes  in  nature.  "  On  your  left 
comes  rushing  flown,  the  Shenandoah,  having  ranged  along  the 
north  base  of  the  Blue  Ridge  for  a  hundred  miles  to  seek  a  vent. 
On  your  right  rolls  down  the  Potomac,  seeking  a  passage  also.  In 
the  moment  of  i  heir  junction  they  rush  together  Vigainst  the  moun- 
tain and  rend  it  asunder,  and  pass  off  to  the  sea."  These  two 
rivers  at  the  junction  form  an  obtuse  angle,  at  the  immediate  in- 
iction  of  which  (he  little  town  of  Harper's  Terry  is  situated, 
ranging  up  the  narrow  banks  of  each  river,  over.hung  by  terrible 
precipices  in  jutting  fragments.  Op  the  Potomac  banks  extend 
the  immense  dismantled  armory  works.  At  the  entrance  still 
stands  the  old  engine  house  of  John  Brown  notoriety — a  monu- 
ment of  that  old  recreant's  treason.  The  upper  town  runs  up  on  a 
high  eminence,  which  is  overlooked  by  a  still  higher  one,  encir- 
cled by  precipitous  ascents,  both  of  which  the  enemy  had  bas-» 
tipned  around  withji  line  of  strong  Works.  On  the  south  banks  of 
the  Shenandoah  rise  the  Loudoun  Eleights.and  in  front  the  Boli- 
var Heights,  Which,  with  the  Maryland  Heights,  completely  over- 
look the  place. 


Hampton's  cavalry.  31 

Up  to  Saturday  the  Yankee  garrison  were  entirely  ignorant  of 
our  investing  movement,  Jackson,  with  his  ubiquitous  corps,  had 
left  Haaerstown  on  Thursday,  and  bearing  round,  had  crossed  the 
Potomac  at  Williamsp*ort,  passing  through  Martinsburg  on  Friday, 
whence  the  enemy,  under  General  White,  had  retired  to  Harper's 
Ferry  the  night  before,  and  sweeping  on  around,  he  arrived  in 
front  o"f  Harper's  Ferry  about  noon  on  Saturday. 

In  the  meantime  McLaws'  division  was  moving  up  and  occupy- 
ing the  Maryland  Heights,  and  Walker  the  Loudoun  Heights, 
while  Jackson's  corps  had  spread  out  and  were  closing  up  the 
space  between  the  Potomac  and  the  Shenandoah  Rivers,  which  in- 
cluded the  Bolivar  Heights;  thus  the  line -of  investment  was  a 
complete  triangle,  with  our  favorite  Stonewall  as  the  base — soon  to 
demonstrate  to  General  White,  the  Chicago  tailor,  that  he  might 
cut  coats,  but  to  cut  himself  out  of  this  angle  would  be  a  bamboo- 
zling problem  to  his  unsophisticated  military  genius. 

On  Sunday  our  forces  On  this  base  line  prepared  to  invest  the 
place — A.  P.  Hill  on  the  right,  on  the  Charlestown  road;  Ewell's 
division  in  the  centre  ;  and -Jackson's  old  division  completed  the 
line  across  from  river  to  liver.  Our  artillery  from  the  right  opens 
with  its  heavy  pieces,  which  startles  the  Yankee  commander  ;  his 
long  caravan  of  wagon  trains  is  hurriedly  drawn  out  and  move  in 
haste  across  the  Potomac,  and  being  fairly  stretched  out  in  the 
narrow  defile  (hat  winds  along  the  base  of  the  Maryland  Heights, 
the  garrison  commences  forming  to  follow;  but  a  few  unsuspected 
shells' from  these  heights  gave  them  to  understand  that  their  plan 
of  escape  was  balked  in  this  direction.  Tho  frightened  teamster 8 
suddenly  wheeled  and  went  rattling  and  crashing,  belter  skelter, 
over  one  another  back  to  the  ferry,  which  Whs  now  growing  too 
hot  from  the  streaming  missiles  from  both  the  Loudoun  and  Mary- 
land Heights  :  then  re-crossed,  turning  down  the  Shepherdstown 
road,  and  after  stretching  out  and  winding  down  this  road  a  short 
distanoe,  mel  the  same unexpected  reception,  and  came  plunging 
back  in  the  wildest  consternation  to  their  former  p 

The  siege  now  opened,  and  was  kept  up  from  all  Bides  slowly 
but  regularly  during  the  day,  the  enemy  feebly  responding.  The 
sun  had  now  sunk  behind  the  western  hills  ;  yet  the  glaring  flash 
of  the  booming  artillery  from  the  mountain  Bides  litefally  light- 
ened up  the  darkened  horizon.  Night  wears  on.  and  still  the 
streaming  mefeor.s   from    the  adjacent  BlopeS   fly  arolmd  tin'  terror- 


SKETCHES   PfcOM 

stri  E        &€  j  irrison.     Morning  "  and  aa 

with  >H"  nl  the  hills  salute  the  rising  sun,  with  bombs  burst? 

i.  the  air :"  and  jusl  aa  our  forces  od  Jackson's  line  prepan 
nit  the  place,  on  the  right,  the  gaudy  folds  of  their  mammoth 
garrison  Sag  (measuring  fortj  yards  in  length)  is  run  down,  and 
the  7    white    run    up    in    its    place.      The    air    rends    with 

Bhouts  from  our  victorious  forces.  Lii  utenant  Chamberlayn< 
Genera]  A.  1'.  Hill's  staff,  goes  forward,  and  at  ten  o'clock  receives 
the  Bword  of  the  Yankee  commander,  who  had  fallen  a  few 
minutes  before  the  surrender.  Thus  ended  the  career  No.  -  <>l' 
the  abolitionists  at  Harper-.-  Ferry.  General  IJill  remarked  to  Mie 
commanding  Yankee  officer,  who  was  wonderrng  al  our  remarkable 
skill  and  energy  in  capturing  the  place  ;  "That  he  would  rather 
take  the  place  'twenty  times  than  undertake  to  hold  it  once." 
Eleven  thousand  eighi  hundred  and  fifty  prisoners  were  captured, 
immense  stores  of  nil 'kinds,  vast  supplies  of  ammunition,  large 
numbers  of  splendid  cannon,  field  and  Jight  pieces,  vast  supplies 
small  arms  and  ammunition,  and  a  great  many  horses  and  negroes. 
Our  cavalry  was  posted  in  the  place  till  the  next  day,  foraging  our 
famished  horses  on  the  vast  quartermaster  garners.  On  the  day 
following  all   the  troops  were   hurried  up  the  river,  and  crossed  at 

Shepherdstown,  rejoining  Longstreel  on  the  Antietam  Creek,  near 
rpsburg,  Maryland. 
Early  nexl   morning  our  d  corps,  sadly  reduced  by  pres&i 

k     position    on    the    north    side    of  the    Antietam 

1  the  enemy  being  drawn  up  along  the  base  of  the  mountain 

on  the  other  Bide,  and  early  began  advancing  in  force* upon  our 
iqn,  Aje  ti:'-  -mi  rose,  his  gay  blue  uniforms  arid  bright  and. 
glittering  weapons  contrasted"  strongly  with  the  dusty,  threadbare 
apparel  and  unpolished  weapons  oi  Lee'#  "  rebel  array."  The  bat- 
opened  with  a  \'\-r<'  use  of  artillery  on  Both  sides,  soon  followed 
by  a  general  roar  of  musketry  along  the  entire  lino.  The  em 
massed  heavy  forces  and  Bore  down  with  al.l  his  fury,  on  our  left  ; 
bul  the  indomituble  Jackson  met  him  with  his  usual  coolness  and 
determination,  repulsing  and  driving  him  back  a  mile  and  a  half. 
In  the  centre  the  intrepid  [iOngstreet,"with  D.  H.  Hill's  corps,  after 
a  desperate  and  bloody  struggle,  drove  him  back,  too,  from  this 
point,  with  heavy  slaughter.'  On  our  right,  about  three  o'clock  in 
the  afternoon,  General  A.  P.  Hill  was  advancing  from- Harper's 
Perry,  i  od  came  op  jus!  in  lime  to  meet  the  enemy  as  he  was  mak- 


Hampton's  cavalry.  33 

ing  a  bold  demonstration  in  that  direction,  which  was  held  only  by 
Jenkins' and  a  part  of  Toombs'  brigades.  They  had  driven  this  lit- 
tle force  before  them,  and  were  dashing  across  the  Antietam  with 
every 'show  of  success  ;  but  at  this  juncture  the  timely  arrival  of 
the  latter  corps  changed  the  fortune  at  this  point,  and  after  an  ob- 
stinate contest,  that  lasted  from  five  o'clock  till  dark,  the  enemy 
was  driven  into  and  across  the  creek  with  great  loss.  During  the 
fight  the  Federal  sharpshooters  had  picked  off  and  disabled  nearly 
every  man  of  a  battery  of  the  Washington  Artillery,  which  had 
been  conspicuously  effective  in  the  fight.  General  Longstreet 
being  near,  and  discerning  the  cause  of  its  silence,  he  dismounted, 
ml  with  the  assistance  of  his  staff  worked  one  of  the  guns  until 
the  crisis  was  over.  As  it  has  been  remarked,  "  To  see  a  general 
officer,  wielding  the  destinies  of  a  great  fight,  with  its  cares  and  re- 
sponsibilities upon  his  shoulders,  performing  the  duties  of  a  com- 
mon soldier,  is  a  picture  indeed  worthy  of  the  pencil  of  an  artist." 
The  sun  set  upon  one  of  the  most  desperate  and  bloody  fields  of 
the  war,  the  Confederates  resting  that  night  on  their  arms  at 
every  point  considerably  in  advance  of  their  position  in  the  morn- 
ing. And  the  question  may  be  asked :  Why  did  we  not  pursue 
the  enemy  up?  Simply  because  from  the  topography  of  the  coun- 
try, where  he  was  driven  against  the  mo  an  tail/?  sides,  would  have 
given  him  signally  the  advantage  over  u*  disced,  from  the  causes 
above  mentioned,  our  forces  were  too  muno-  oiduced  to  have  relin- 
(pushed  their  hold  and  attempt  a  flank  nicnqiuent.  On  the  next 
day,  Thursday,  from  our  position  of  the  day  ►  ore,  the  challenge 
was  early  thrown  out  to  renew  the  engagement,  but  the  beaten 
foe  let  the  gauntlet  lie- 
It  is  no  exaggeration -to  say  our  army  went. into  this  battle  re- 
duced fifty  per  cent.,  worried  out  by  fisting,  incessant  marching" 
and  tight  ing.  Not  more  than  thirty-five  thousand  of  our  brave 
troops  could  be  counted  on  that  desperate  day;  for  as  the  col- 
umns of  many  of  the  commands  had  to  be  rushed  in  almost  double- 
quick  marches  in  order  to  gain  their  respective' positions  at  the 
proper  time,  many  a  willing  comrade  fell  out  for  miles  along  the 
road  from  sheer  exhaustion.  And  it,  is  a  base  slander  upon  our 
brave  and  noble  soldiery  to  say  that  Lee's  army  "straggled  on 
that  day."  No;  to  have  seen  the  pale,  emaciated  soldier,  seem- 
ingly with  nothing  but  an  invisible  spirit  bearing  him  on,  dispens- 
ing wiili  every  incumbrance,  save  his  musket  and  cartridge  box, 
5 


:;  1  skkh  ii 


ES    FROM 


halting  nlong,  flinching  al  everj  step,  as  he  hesitatingly  set  his 
bleeding  feet  flown  apon  the  Btonjr  surface,  and  then  sink  down 
under  the  goading  effect,  was  a  rare  comment  upon  heroism!  Yet 
pusillanimous  newspaper  generals  and  army  critics  called  this 
u  straggling."  No  j  if  your  unfeeling  hearts  possessed  an  infinites- 
simal  part  of  your  victim's  virtue,  then  you  might  with  some 
ree  of  assurance  criticise  behind  your  paper  walls  and  staff 
parapets.  n 

McClellan,  with  an  army  already  four  times  as  large  as  our  own, 
and  with  reinforcements  coming  up,  a  retrograde  movement  was 
deemed  expedieul  under  the  circumstances,  as  every  day  would 
strengthen  the  enemy,  and  in  our  present  position  the  means  for 
adding  anything  to  our  strength  was  sadly  beyond  our  reach.  Ac- 
iingly  our  forces  were  withdrawn  late  Thursday  night  and  Fri- 
day morning,  in  the  face  of  our  foe,  and  safely  re-crossed  the  Poto- 
mac near  Shephefdstown,  at  one  single  ford.  .  This  important  feat 
was  accomplished  in  the  space  of  twelve  hours,'  sustaining  no 
material  loss,  and  without  any  interruption  on  the  part  of  the 
enemy.      ,  • 

In  this  short  but  eventful  campaign,  our  whole  loss  was  inside  of 
-even  thousand  n~'-n,  while  the  enem}r,  according  to  his  own  con- 
ion,  lost  over  i^uv  tnousand  killed,  wounded  and  taken  prison-' 
era.  Uut,  as  is  usir'1,  Jhe  case,  our  loss  was  mingled  with  some  of 
our  bravesl  and  $K  ""::iicers — the  brave  and  heroic  Garland,  the 
noble  Starke,  and  •  \f  "'■all.int  Branch,  of  North  Carolina,  laid  down 
their  lives  upon  til    'altar  of  their  country. 

And  with  sucli  proud  record  of  your  fame, 

Your  bodies  may  Bleep  wrapt  in  gore, 
But  aa  Long  aa  liberty  bears  a  name, 

Your  spirits  will  be  cherish'd  evermore. 

V.  •  there  was  still  a  bloody  episode  to  mark  the  close  of  this 
campaign.  The  enemy,  about  ten  o'clock  on  Friday,  had  with  his 
heavy  Parrott  guns  at  long  taw  commenced  a  show  of  pursuit,  and 
on  Saturday  morning  commenced  crossing  in  heavy  force.  Our 
troops  on  the  opposite  side  were  seen  hurrying,  as  Under  -sem- 
blance of  a  retreat,  out  on  the  different  roads  leading  from  Shep- 
hei  Istown,  but  really  retiring  covertly  behind  the  adjacent  "hills ; 
while  the  rear  guard,  three  brigades  of  infantry,  under  Brigadier 
General  Pendleton,  were  posted  on  the  right  bank  of  the  river, 


Hampton's  cavalry.  .  35 

near  the  passage  at  Boteler's  Mill,  commanding  which  wo  had 
masked  thirty-five  pieces  of  artillery,  and  with  five  or  six  pieces 
exposed  in  advance,  making  a  taint  show  of  resistance,  falling  back 
slowly  from  one  position  to  another,  before  the  advancing  enemy's 
batteries,  that  were  being  furiously  plied  from  the  opposite  side. 
Late  in  the  evening  a  large  force  of  the  enemy,  consisting  of  nearly 
three"  entire  divisions,  came  pouring  over  with  flaunting  colors  and 
defiant  shouts  ;  and  when"  fairly  across,  our  Ifatteries  were  uncov- 
ered, and  with  A.  P.  Hill's  division  pounced  suddenly  down  upon 
his  confident  legions,  driving  them  like  chaff  .before  the.  wind, 
down  into  the  narrow  passage,  where  the  enfilading  fire *>f  our  b'at- 
teries  were  plowing  and  raking  his  ranks  in  a  most  frightful  man- 
ner, and  from  the  crowded  gorge  frightened  masses  would  indis- 
criminately break  panic-strickei*  uy  the  banks  of  the  river,  only  to 
find  themselves  hemmed  in  from  that,  quarter,  and  in  man}-  in- 
stances' In  escape  the  bavonets  of  our  impetuous  soldiery,  they 
would  plunge  wildly  over  these  precipitous  bluffs,  shattered  oh  the 
rocky  masses  beneath  !  The  scene  was  truly  appalling.  The  wide, 
shallow  fording  was  filled  with  dead  bodies,  and  the  woundecl,  who 
would  chance  to  fall  in  the  stream,  were  suffocated  in  the  water  by 
the  hurrying,  heedless  tread  of  the  living.  All  organization  was 
destroyed,  and  as  the  broken  remnants  would  reach  the  opposite 
bank  they  would  continue  in  the  -wildest  disorder  across  the  hills; 
and  why  no  token  of  surrender  .was  hung  out  to  stop  this  fearful 
slaughter,  was  a  question  with  the  conscience  of  the  commander  of 
this  ill-fated  movement. 

Our  loss  was  only  two  hundred  in  killed  and  wounded,  while  the 
Yankee  loss  must  have  been  at  least  two-thirds  of  their  number  in 
killed,  wounded  and' prisoners.  Thus  ended  this  bloody  campaign, 
leaving  the  enemy  .crippled  and  beaten  on  his  own  soil,  from  which 
he  lay  cowering,  unable  to  move  for  months. 

It  is  but  candor  to  say,  that  in  entering  Maryland  the  Confede- 
rates had  two  objects  in  view:  First, to  give  her  pent  up  sympathy 
a  chance  ;<>  hurst  forth  and  join  us  in  physical  resistance  ;  and 
iiowever  much  we  aro  disposer]  to  revere  that  sympathy,  which 
has  always  and  still  exists  there  for  our  cause,  the  reluctance  and 
tardiness  of.her  people  failed  to  meet  the  occasion — for  "they  who 
would  be  free,  themselves  must  strike  the  blow.'"  In  the  secqnd 
place,  our  victorious  arms  had  just  driven  the  enemy  before  us 
behind   the  walls  at  Washington,  and,  by  threatening   his  country, 


(SKETCHES   FROM     • 

ild  draw  him  out  and  bring  the  matter  to  a  nearer  issue.    The 
surrbtmded  by  circumstances  over  which  we  .had  no 
trol :  and  how  fer  we  controlled  thte  circumstances  of  the  latter^ 
the  facts  of  the  campaign  have  rally  demonstrated  to  the  world. 

I.  •uisi;iiii:iiis,  while  on  picket  near  Boonsboro',  encountered 
a  Yankee  bcouI  and  killed  him.     One  of  the  party  being  ;i  little 

ly  in  the  way  of  pan  te,  exchanged  with  the  unlucky  man.  at  the 
same  time  obsetvingHhe  name  John  I>.  S.,  very  plainly  wrought 
with  red  silk  thread  on  the  lining  of  the  waistband.  However, 
thinking  nothing  more  of*  it,  nor  none  the  less  of  himself  for  wear- 
ing Yankee  blue,  on  going  back  to  camp  the  party  called  at  a  neat, 
little  farm  house,  where  milk  jar.-,  peace  and  plenty  seemed  to 
reign,  and  called  For  some  milk.  They  were  answered,  as  they 
info  the  little  vine-bdljnd  piazza,  by  a  repugnant,  elderly 
looking  lady,  "Thai  she  had  no  milk  for  rebels,  and  that  she  would 
giVe  it  to  the  neighbors'  pigs  iirst  :  and  that  it  would  be  her  heart's 
desire  to  give  every  rebel  that  crossed  the  Potomac  a  good  drink 
of  poison."  "Which  sharp  vents  of  caloric  elicited  retorts  of  similar 
character  frond  the  personage  who  had  donned  the  unlucky  man's 
panttfl  :  and  after  concluding  a  volley  which  had  mutually  raged 
betwcn  them,  the  latter  drew  near  and  coolly  remarked  : 

"  Madam,  you  fight  so  well  with  your  tongue,  it  is  a  great  pity 
you  aint  a  man.  to  6ght  for  your  '  glorious  Union.'  " 

••  1  thank  you,  sir.  1  have  an  only  son  there  fighting  for  it,  and  I 
only  wish  1  had  twenty." 

"Well,  madam,  you  are  the  worst  Union  case  I've  met  in  Mary- 
land, and  1  want  to  take  your  name,  as  a  contrast  to  some  kind  peo- 
ple [Ve    Det,  and  let  me  have  it  as  a  remembrancer." 

Still  with  wrathful  emotions  she  continued  :  "My  name  I  never 
concealed  from  friend  or  foe;  it's  Mary  Ann  S. ;  and  I  wish  my 
son  was  here  with  his  ritle,  and  he  would  give  you  something  to 
remember.  ■  * 

The  latter,  with  gathering  interest :  "What's  your  son's  name?" 

"  I  can  give  yon  his  name,  tot),  and  only  wish  he  could  give  you 
rebs  a  bullet  for  every  word  that  has  passed  between  us."  En» 
phasizing,  "  His  name  is  John  I).  S." 

"Well,  madam,  he'll  kill  no  more  rebels,  for  I  killed  him  this 
merning,  and  these  are  his  pants  I  now  have  on,"  at  the  same  time 
exposing  the  name  from  the  inside  of  the  waistband.  The  name 
was   readily   recognized.     The   cloud   of  angry   passion  that   had 


Hampton's  cavalry.  >  37 

swelled  in  every  feature  of  the  woman's  face  was  swept  off  by  a 
sudden  gush  of  despair;  and,  with  her  glaring  eyes  riveted  for  a 
moment  upon  the  name  that  read  the  fatal  message,  the  unhappy 
woman  swooned  and  fell  on  the  floor. 

The  day  after  the  Antietam  fight,  our  cavalry  were  placed  on 
duty,  tome  distance  to  the  left  up  the  river,  and  in  the  evacuation 
were  cut  oif  from  the  fording  at  Shepherdstown.  But  on  Friday' 
night,  by  a  circuitous  route  up  the  river,  passing  round  a  large 
body  of  Yankee  forces,  winding  down  steep  and  dangerous  cliffs, 
that  seemed  impassable  for  man  and  beast,  helt&r  skelter,  down 
the  rugged  acclivity,  we  plunged  into  the  channel  of  the  river — 
a  fording  that  an  Indian  pony  would  snort  at  and  turn  away  from — 
our  horses,  after  blundering  over  rocks,  then  plunging  through 
eddying  whirlpools,  dripping  and  chilled,  we  reached  the  Virginia 
side.  Following  up  the  train  of  our  narrative,  Ave  proceeded  to 
Mavtinsburg,  from  whence,  a  few  days  after,  General  Stuart  dashed 
across  the  Potomac  into  Williamsport,  and  drove  the  enemy  from 
that  place,  killing  a  number  and  capturing  a  quantity  of  prisoners 
and  arms  with  a  small  loss  ;  returned  again,  and  established  head- 
quarters "at  Martinsburg,  where,  a  few  days  after  this  affair,  the 
Yankee  cavalry  undertook  to  pay  him  back.  They  came  dashing 
up  the  Shepherdstown  road,  driving  in  our  pickets  and  scouts  to 
the  skirts  of  the  town.  Hampton's  cavalry  was  falling  back  before 
them,  while  Lee's  was  clashing  round  to  get  in  their  rear  ;  perceiv- 
ing this»they  suddenly  wheeled  and  broke  back  ;  Lee  immediately^ 
set  after  them,  supported  by  Hampton,  killing  and  capturing. sev- 
eral, and  it  was  by  making  the  fastest  possible  speed  that  the 
whole  expedition  saved  themselves  from  capture. 


SKETCHES    PROM 


i'IIAP  r  i:  B    v. 

STUART'S  CAVALRY  EXPEDITION  INTO  PENNSYLVANIA — PREPARATION  FOR 

THE  EXPEDITION      TROOPS  COMPOSING  THE  EXPEDITION — CROSSING  THE 

POTOMAC— SURPRISING   TH1  ENEMY'S   !'l<  KETS — THE  SUCCESSFUL  PAS- 

M  THK    i:I<;i!T  WING    OP   MCCLELLAN's  ARMY — PASSES  OUT 

OF    KABYLAJTD    WTO    PENNSYLVANIA — HORSE    PRESSING    ORDElt-    ]>- 

bd — Capture  op  bt.  thomab  and  chvmbersburg. 

Our  oommand  was  quietly  laying  around  Martrnaburg,  picketing 
on  Che  upper  lines  of  the   PotOmap,  and  having  to  a  considerable 
iit    recruited   the   nervea  of  both  man  and   horse,  which  had 
u  seriously  drawn  upon   by  the  incessant  and  arduous  labors  of 
land  campaign,  we  were  here  in  this  beautiful  and  roman- 
n  of  the  Old  Dominion,  enjoying  ourselves  with  as  much 
"otium  cum  digrtitate"  as  a  soldier's  life  would  admit  of.     The  first 
leaves  of  autumn  had  just  begun  to  fall;  the  neighboring  moun- 
tain peaks  were  doffing  their  Brimmer  green  and  last  assuming  the 
bronzed  hue  :  and  as  the  bugle's  unwelcome  morning  sound  would 
cause  the  soldier  to  peep  from  his  blankets,  the  first  traces  of  Jack 

mid  be  Bfeen  upon  the  half  crisped,  fallen  leaf;  while  the 
weather-worn  trooper  with  repeated  strokes  of  his  currycomb  to 
smooth  the  rough  hair  of  bis  faithful  steed,  would  soliloquize  to 
himself:  "Well,  l  do  wish  old  Stuarl  and  Hampton  was  a/  tired  uv 
these  ere  parts  as  I  am,  we'd  -it  '  a  little  further  inter  Dixie  than 
this  :  as  these  ere  cold  morriin'  wind-  from  the  mountins  blows  our 
fen  the  fare  places  a  little  cuttin',  and  our  toes  peeps 
a  leetle  too  impidentty  thru  our  old  shoes  for  this  ere  white  thiug 
o^ii  the  leaves  uv  mornins,  and  oul  uv  4-cspect  fur  us  they  orter  con- 
sider the  policy.  And  besides, jisl  tu  think  uv  our  poor  dum 
brute-.  Why.  thar  was  Jackson's  army  passed  thru  these  parts 
last  roasting-ear  time,  and  they  cleaned  the  cornfields  afore  the 
milk  filled  the  grain,  and  so  horse  stuck  can't  stand  it  much  longer. 
And  bo  it's  policy  to'git'  further  South  any  way  you  look  at  it. 
Hut  I  reek, ,n  old  Stuart  ami  Hampton  knows  best."  Such  rude 
surmises  were  frequent  from  the  humblest  private  in  the  com- 
mand, and  even  the  "reliable  -entle'men "  from  headquarters 
would   quaintly  give  out  that  a  backward  move  was  under  way. 


Hampton's  cavalry.  39 

* 

In  fact,  all  outward  appearance's  seemed  indicative  of  a  "fall 
back."  "While  we  were  regaling  ourselves  over  the  idea  of  getting 
where  we  could  hear  a  railroad  whistle  again,  or  open  communica- 
tion with  home  once  more,  orders  were  issued  to  the  different  com- 
mands of  the  division  for  a  detachment  of  picked  men,  mounted  on 
the  besb  horses,  to  prepare  five  days'  rations  for  a  scout  on  the 
ensuing  day,  yet  still  the  idea  of  covering  a  "fall  back "  was 
entertained- by  officers  and  men. 

On  the  ensuing  day,  October  9th,  at  two  o'clock,  we  "fell  in" 
and  took  up  the  line  of  march,  l^ut  found  our  horses'  heads  turned 
northward.  The  whole  force  was  comprised  of  detachments  from 
Hampton's,  Lee's  and  Mumford's  cavalry,  and  a  small  detachment 
from  Scotfs  partisan  corps,  with  one  section  of  mounted  artillery 
accompanying  each,  all  toldi  twenty-five  hundred  men,  led*  by 
Stuart  himself,  dashing  along  on  his  little  dark  bay  favorite,  in  his 
usual  don't-care,  dare-devil  style,  while  the  cheerful,  deep  cunning- 
expression  of  his  features  betokened  some  one  of  his  favorite 
"  tricks  "  ahead,  while  Hampton  rode  along  at  his  usual  easy  trot- 
ting style,  as  though  he  was  just  going  out  to  loolt  over  his  broad 
cotton  fields.  Leaving  the.  town  of  Martinsburg  to  the  right,  and 
passing  along  the  base  of  the  north  range  of  the  Blue  Ridge,  which 
breaks  off  into  tills  as  it  nears  the  Potomac,  we  passed  through 
Hedgesville  and  beyond  our  outer  picket  post,' where  the  column 
was  halted  and  rested  till  dark,  within  ear-shot  of  the  roaring 
waters  of  the  Potomac.  After  good  dark  the  command  resumed 
the  march,  and  was  advancing  cautiously  over  a  narrow  by-way  in 
the  direction  of  the  river,  to  within  a  mile  of  the  crossing,  and 
here  we  were  halted  for  the  night.  Two  reconnoitering  parties 
were  thrown  out,  one  under  Sergeant  R.  C.  Shiver,  of  the  Second 
South  Carolina  cavalry,  and  the  other  under  Lieutenant  Harrier, 
of  the  North  Carolina-  cavalry, Jed.  by  Hampton  in  person.  After 
a  successful  recflbnoissance,  it  was  ascertained  that  the  enemy  had 
no  pickets  on  this  bank  of  the  river,  but  we  discovered  their  posts 
immediately  ett  the  ether  side  of  the  ford,  beyond  the  culvert  of 
the  canal,  which  opens  to  the  ford.  Here,  content  with  our  discov- 
eries, (he  party  bivouacked  the  remainder  of  the  night  on  this  side 
behind  the  cliffs  that  overhang  the  banks  above  tin*  ford,  until 
nearly  daybreak,  when  General  Hampton  detached  fifteen  men 
from  the  party  md  placed  them  under  Lieutenant  Phillips,  and 
despatched  them  across  the  river  on  an  old  fish  dam,  a  quarter* of 


BKlfCfU 

an.  the  post  at  the  ford^ 

.nit  Barrier,  were  posted  among  the 
cliflV  along  the  I  i >p< »rt .  in  case  the  party  on  the  oppo- 

•\  a-  j 1 1 ~ t  dawning  ;  our  bom; 

>eping  under  cover  of  the  canal  banks, 

_    their   w  illy  without    any   interruption    to   the 

ilveYt.     One  more  dash  and  tin'  game  is  in  their 

!-.     Bill   suddenly  out   dashed  a  grim  \m\\  terrier  dog,  \\- i 1 1 1 

pnte  the  passage  of  the  culvert,  which  merely 

•iinicl  to  scamper  off  without  even  firing  his 

B,    while    th-  was    innm  diitely   OOslaUghted,   and    the 

quick  and  bo  of  our  carbines,  and  the  excited  escla* 

"  kill  them]  here  goos  the  d — d  blue  backed   rascals," 

whi  la  to  understand  that  our  support  was  no  long<  r  re- 

quired, and   every  inali    to   horse.  ;uid   acrOSS  W6  da>hed.  and    found 

while  earnest  leg  bail  had  sue- 
1 1 in^r  off"  hi   comrades,  which  caused  a  stampede  along 
irhole  line,  and  had  it  oot.been  for,  the  timely  notice  of  their 
faithful   dog   in   the   culvert,  the   body   would  have  been  nicely 
.:  the  time  tl  ■'•  were  regaling  themselves  near 

by  in  a  little  Bbanty  &1  "seven  up,"  little  dreaming  that  their  game 
•  .irly  in  the  morning  would  be ." trumped*  by»rebel  intrusion. 
ii  and  difficult  ford  tip-  whole  command,  artillery  and 
lily  and  safely  i  over;  and  <>n  we  hurried  over  a 

narrow  and  difficult  denle  fchrougli  the  hills  of  the  western  part  of 
county,  capturing  the  balance  of  their  Btampeding 
poo  ran  into  our  column  before  they  were  aware  of  our 
Having   pursued  this  road  about  Bve  miles,  where  it 
the  turnpike  leading  from  Hage'rstown  to  Cumberland,  w» 
found  that  we  had  run  against  the  rear  of  •  division  of  Yankee  in- 
fantryl4moving  on  to  Oumberland.    Just  at  this  poftit  our  advance 
came  upon  their  rear  guard  and  took  a  hatch  of  them  prisoners, 
and  also  captured  stand  of  colors,  which  Midden  and  unex- 
pected onslaught   put  their  whole  command  ti>  confused  commo- 
tion, and  caused  them   to  make  fast   time  down  the  pike  in  the 

ctioo  of  Oumberland.    Their   burning  vehicles  behind  g 
full  evidence,  that  the  skedaddling  manoeuvre  was  inactive  play; 
hut         ■         t-  business  did  not    lay  on  their  route,  they  were  per- 
mitted  to  "double-quick"  along   uninterrupted   from    their  own 
lows.     Here  we   crossed   this   pike   and    pursued   our   march 


Hampton's  cavalry.  •  -fl 

along  a  narrow,  difiicult  by-way.  following  the  north  side  of  n  range 
of  mountains  through  a  rocky,  bleak,  and  almost  barren  region, 
with  here  and  there  a  lonely  cabin  to  relieve  the  wild  scenery. 
Having  moved  on  some  ten  miles  through  this  wild  region,  we 
found  ourselves  crossing  the  last  ridge  of  ihis  range,  emerging  out 

'  down  into  a  beautiful  and  expansive  valley,  known  as  "Blair's  A'al- 
ley,"  surrounded  by  an  extensive  r^nge,  known  as  the  ''Short  Hill" 
range,  which  breaks  olf  gradually  into  lesser  hills  as  the  Blue 
Ridge  nears  the  Potomac,  which  to  the  eye  of  the  casual  beholder 
seems  as  steps  to  the  summit  oXher  lofty  peaks.  The  day  was  nut 
a  bright  one  :  thin,  vapory  ctouds  were  overspreading  the  heavens ; 
the  sun's  pale  face  looked  dimly  through  the  gathering  clouds,  and 
the  distant  ridges  seemed  wrapped  in  a  misty  blue,- and  the  "sear 
and  yellow  leaf"  at  every  breeze  was  losing  its  hold  and  came 
rustling  down  around  us.  Such  a  scene  was  indeed  truly  calcu- 
lated to  engender  melancholy  feelings.  But  as  the  "broad  acres" 
of  Pennsylvania  stretched  out. before  us  just"  at  the  foot  of  the  last 
hill,  although  we  were  impressed  with  our  hazardous  situation,  hav- 
ing jusl  passed  through  and  were  in  the  rear  of  the  right  wing  of 

'  McCiellan's  grand  army,  yet  every  soldier's  face  betokened  emo- 
tions of  inward  joy,  and  with  our  backs  on  the  last  fugged 
hills,  we  were  beyond  the  limits  of  Maryland.  The  "ultima  thule" 
of  Southern  invasion  was  passed.  We  were  indeed  on  the  hostile 
soil  of  proud  and  defiant  Pennsylvania,  who.  sixteen  months  before, 
was  going  to  -.lake  a  light  breakfast  out  of  the  South,  herself  alone. 
But  the  rebel  key  had  unbolted  and  roiled  away  the  keystone  of 
the  "glorious  old  arch  "  wide  enough  for  Stuart's  rebel  cavalrv  to 
pas-;.  No  demonstration  whatever  marked  the  event,  as  the  col- 
umn moved  quietly  forward  from  the  borders  of  Franklin  countv, 
where  we  entered,  h  seemed  that  a  simple  reflection-  on  our 
situation  would  call  forth  misgivings  in  the  bosom  of  the  most 
gnine  :  but  the  overweening  confidence  in  our  true  and  tried 
leader  would  chile  any  such  a  thought,  and  nerve  it  with  stronger 
confidence  and  deeper  determination. 

ivate  country  road,  through  the  secluded 
entrance  of  ihis  valley, th  il  had  never  been  trampled  by  an  armed 
ither  friend  or  fee.    The  unsuspecting. inhabitants  met  and 
hail'  id  no  asset  t  ion  to  I  lie  contrarv  was 

likely  to  disabuse  their  minds  of  the  facl  that  we  were  rebels,  and 
even  when  the  horse  pn  ssing  orders  were  put  in  execution  against 


q  they  would  look  incredulously  after  de  as  we  were  leading  their 
their  ej  es.     A  -  .  n  instance,  *  e  will  h 
amusing   io<  occurred  n   an  old   Dutch 

and  a  party  of  our  boys,  who  were  Bcourjng  the  country 
.  stance  from  the  road.    They  rode  up  unceremoniously  to 
hi.-  large  brick  barn,  thai  stood  b  fehorl  Sistance  from  the  dwelling, 
dismounted  a(  the  l>arn->  w<  .  and  wen-  proceeding  to  the  .-ta- 

ll     and   bis   fat    better-half  were  standing   in   the   piazza 
watching  the  movemenl  at  tne  barn  in  astonishment,  and  as  the 

bles,  ho^liuii ied   down,  and   in   almost 
breathless    excitement    i  $tea    the   party:   "  Gude   mornint, 

men,  gade  mornint.     Vy,  vot  dash  dis  mean?"    He  was  informed 
that  we  just  wanted  his  horses.     Betraying  feelings  of  smothered 
r  and  vexation,  he  exclaimed:  "Mine  bosses!  mine  hosses ! 
i  shoust  can't    hav    tern    agin.     Vy,  ven    you  tarn    Home 
had  tern  afore,  you  shoust  keep  tem  vnn  veek  over  do 
time,  and  yen  you  did'pring  dem  home  mit  der  packsall  sore  and 
skint    dp."     Continuing   in*a   more   vehement    strain:    "I -v'uuld 
Bhoa  old  Shacksori  vould  cum  tish  vsy  and  take  de  last 

tarn  \un  uv  you  Home  Guards  as  tu  let  you  hav  mine  hosses  vim 
time  more.     Vot  vur  you  vanl  tem  eny  how?''    Qe  was  apprised, 
1  humoredly,  that  Jeff..  Davis  wanted  them  this  time.    With 
emotions  of  the  wildest  surprise  and  amazement,  hardly  awai 
rticulate  one  word  before  he'd  catch  another:  "  Sueff.  Tavis ! 
vis!     Mine  (lot !     Vot  isb  Sheff  Tayis  got  tu  du  mit  mine 
In*--  Mine    Grot!      He  vill  never  send   tem   pack!"     In  the 

meantin  >ck  was  haltered  and  moving  off.     Old  Dutch  had 

:  that  his  protests  and  reinonstrations  were  unavailing.  He 
immediately  ran  violently  towards  the  house,  hallooing  to  his  bet- 
ter half,  who  was.  too,  vehemently  joining  her  protests,  exclaiming 
in  an  earnest  vent  :  "Old  vomanl  old  vomanl  plowdehon!"  She 
hvd  down  the  old  tin  instrument  hanging  at  the  door,  and 
with  her  dabby  jaws  inflated  to  their  fullest  tension,  she  blew 
most  lustily,  striding  the  piazza  from  one'end  to  the  other,  and  kept 
blowing  till  we  wen-  out  of  hearing.  What  this  strange- proceed- 
ing meant,  was  a  question,  unless  i1  !  of  the  old  Scottish 


*   When  our  Cocoes   threatened   Pennsylvania  from  Maryland,  the    border  counties 
resolved  themselves  Into  an  organisation  called  the  Home  Guards,  and  had  pressed  the 
to  transport  their  I 


HAMPTON  S   CAVALRY.  $6 

idea  of  winding  the  horn  when  the  realm  was  invaded,  and  her  tin 
horn  reverberations  were  to  call  to  arms  those  valorous  Home 
Guards  the  old  man  so  much  derided  when  his  horses  were 
brought  in  question  ;  but  those  modern  lords  of  war  did  not  heed 
her  horn  incantations  ;  as  this  little  detachment,  without  any  in- 
terruption, joined  the  command  at  Mereersburg,  on  the  turnpike 
leading  from  Greeneastle  to  Chambersburg.  Here  a  faint  resist- 
ance was  made  by  those  valorous  Home  Guards,  who  retired  at  our 
approach,  and  secreted  themselves  in  an  old  wood-shop  at  the 
further  end  of  the  town,  from  which,  about  fifty  yards  from  the 
main  street,  they  poured  a  volley  into  our  advance.  The  old  shop 
was  onslaughtod.  and  without  any  farther  demonstration,  the  whole 
party  were  captured,  except  one  who  attempted  to  escape  by 
jumping  out  of  a  window,' but  a  bullet  from  one  of  our  carbines 
took  him  "on  the  wing"  striking  him  lifeless  in  his  leap;  whom, 
doubtless,  the  sickly  sentimentality  of  his  burghers  would  range  on 
the  calendar  of  Northern  heroes.  This  belligerent- party  proved 
to  be  rather  hard  looking  specimens  of  humanity,  and  when  they 
saw  our  full  columns  moving  up,  they  betrayed  terrible  emotions 
of  childish  /right,  and  were  surprised  at  not  being  dispatched 
forthwith  ;  and  others,  coming  out  to  the  rescue,  .when  taken,  even 
with  guns  in,  their  hands,  denied  having  any  complicity  in  the 
affair.  With  such  spirits  as  these,  it  was  not  a  matter  of  wonder 
that  old  Ihitch's  "  horn  incantations  "  had  no  charm.  The  column 
here  halted  a  short  time,  and  about  two  o'clock  resumed  the  march 
on  the  turnpike  leading  to  Chambersburg,  some  eighteen  miles 
distant.  On  our  way  we  captured  St.  Thomas,  a  considerable 
town,  which  made  no  resistance.  We  pursued  our  march  on 
through  a  cold,  drenching  rain,  swelling  our  "  led-horse  '*  train  as 
we  moved  on,  which  presented  the  appearance  of  additional 
reinforcements. 

About  live  o'clock,  P.  M.,  we  found  ourselves  before  the  city  of 
Chambersburg,  and  demanded  its  surrender.  This  inland  city  is 
beautifully  situated  in  the  midst  of  a  rich  and  productive  valley. 
on  a  line  of  railroad  running  from  II  igerstown,  Md.,  to  Barrisburg- 
and  contains  about  ten  thousand  inhabitants.  At  this  point  large 
quantities  of  the  enemy  V  army  stores  were  deposited,  which  ren- 
dered  it    a   prize  worth}   of  Stuart's   notice.     The  demand   for  the 

surrender  was  a  oompl<  te  tbaoderslipck  to  the  astounded  Mayor — 

the  whole  population  Beemed  confounded  at  cur'  presence.    Houses, 


BKETCHJ 

public  :nitl  private,  were  immi  diately  closed.     A  considerable  par- 

j   the  city  authorities,  at  which  General 

i  tin'  ball  dered  into  position  and  the 

dry  into  line  for  the  attack,  which  demonstration  booh  brought 

tin-in  i->  a  decision,  the  terms  immunity  to  private  persons 

ami  property . 

I  tin-  army  taken  in  charge,  which  consisted 

•  quantities  of  commissary  and  quartermaster  store-,  also 
heavy  and  light  ordnance  stores,  Til''  quartermaster's  depart 
menl  was  duly  drawn  apoo  in  the  way  of  clashing,  whije  the 
bora  attired  in  gay  Yankee  trappings,  and  our  old.  Misty 
armor  was  Immediately  exchanged  for  tin*  bright,  glittering  cav- 
alry arms  that  were  (ossed  in  profusion  from  the  numerous 

city  was  placed  under  martial  law.  The  command  was  moved 
out  and  bivouacked  for  the  night  a  short  distance  <  he  city  ; 

and  after  a  most  disagreeably  cold,  rainy  night,  we  decamped  early 

•  morning,  and  countermarched  back  through  the  streets  and 
were  halted,  and  in  looking  round,  a  large  Union  flag  was  seen 
floating  from  the  third  story  of  a  private  house,  which  unwelcome 

lera  was  Bpeedily  removed  by  J.  M.  Rea,  Company  0,  and  Ed. 
liuenhammer,  Company  P,  of  the  .North  Carolina  Cavalry,  which, 
hov.  |  ;n  a  little  issue.     On  accosting  the  proprietor, 

In-  demurred  to  their  admittance,  which  was  immediately  forced, 

followed  closely  by  tie-  surly  proprietor  to  the  last  flight  of  stairs. 

where  i  ined,  from  an  a  Ijacent  room,  by  another  grim,  de- 

i   looking  personage,  where  surly's  suspicions  movements 

wen  B     i.  who  coolly   gave  them   to   understand   that 

any  interference  on  their  pari  would  be  readily  met;  and  in  tho 

two  devotees  the  flag  was  torn  down,,  but  they  failed 

like  Jackson  to  seal  their  devotion  with  their  blood.     Doubtless 

these  two  characters  were  as  brave  in  nerve  as  our  prototype  mar« 

t\  r,  Imt.  that  indwelling  determination  faltered,  as  the  cause  was 

not  the  same  which  their  favorite  emblems  bespoke. 

Tin-  observer  would  meet  many  a  scene'calculated  to  keep  his 

intion    in    active  At    every    comer   could    be   seen 

ips  of  old  and  young,  conversing   in  an  undertone,  evincing 

symptoms  of  the  deepest  mortification.  -  The  sighl  of  the  new  blue 

clothing   that    dotted  every  company  in   the  command,  and  the 

bright  Onited. States  weapons  dangling  at  our  sides,  was  indeed  a 

lax  upon  their  pride.      But  notwithstanding  this,  not  the  least 


■ 

Hampton's  cavalry.  45 

ineult  was  offered  us.  An  assemblage  of  elderly  ,„en  ,vas  over. 
Heard  m  a  discussion,  asserting  that  if  they  had  just  known  our 
number  was  p0  more  thai!  they  now  proved  to  be,  they  never 
would  have  surrendered,  and  that  it  was  ,  disgrace  that  could 
never  be  wiped  out;  while  some  were  chafing  with  wrathful  ex 
predion*  that  our  audacity  «  the  moat  unparallelled  recklessness, 
and  that  .eertanly  before  night  the -telegraph  would  welcome  our 
capture  or  deetruet,on  ;  and  the  Mayor  publicly  expressed  himaelf 

la','/""'  '  ,'T  "e,'e  "0t  CaptU,'ed  befure  l™  Wrt 
tile  Potomac    ,1    wo«ld  he  a  stigma  npbn  the  Union  army  that 

■  could  never  be  effaced.    A  young  Carolinian  drew  up  and  Zo  ted 

a  venerable  one  of  these  old  street  deciders,  who  L  r,     ,c 

paring  0    h,s  anathemas  against  the  rebels,  and  enquired  111 

when  he  thought  we  won), ve  peace?"     With  a,  as  ,,„     ,. 

c iu«,ued.         Well,  sir,"  rephed  the  first  speaker,  "do  you  with  ,11 

ndidi :::  vn  ois';tee"  ^W»»S» 

candidly-really  think  thai  that  matter  can  be  done  ?"    ••  Well-,  " 

es,  a,„,,l,v-  we  think-a-SO,"  ,,„,,,„.  ,„  .-  ,,,„„  0f  ,,,,„,,„;„;!!  ^ 

don  t  then  expect  to  treat  yon  as  conquered  Subjects  but  vc  •  ■ 
-llhngto  throw  the  veil  of  charity  .over  all  this,  a  ,     e'  , 

-     ,cth,cn.       Erring  brethren,"  indignantly  interrupted  the  voune 

-:;'"-».«•,,  h,e  eyes  flashing  fire;  sarcasticall    :  "BreS 

don  I,  pray,  call  us  brethren,  blinded  old  hypocrite      Go    ,,  I  ' 

:;'"■  *"*•»*. ■ I  wasted  fields,  in  the  v^L  ,r     ,        IZ 

,„..■',      y<»t»rday,  and    has  ether  suffered   Ire, r  pres- 
ence?     IWog  nervously   round,   he   remained  silent      •■  \ 

ro^T^Sr.! "-"t!-1— '■ -I--.,",:, 

and  are     "    ',„             '"V                 "  "-  ""■'  »"  »••■'  '"«■-  I.--  bee,, 
,,  •    '   "'  >.'""   POyef, 1  we  can  sc ely  realize  the  feel 

"',     "   "'   -V"""   "■,'Ii-r^   '"»U»-tic  '  demands   ,1,,,,': 

nw  to  as*  th6  ,,,,,  ,,„„,.  wl.v  it  is  your      . 


BKBTCH1 

diers,  thus  among  us,  adhere  so  strictly  to  the  principles  of  g 
lucl  :  ie  it  from  the  string  upline  of  your  officers?"     lfr 

•  '1 :  "Simply  because  we  are  gentlemen  at  home,  and  ob- 

-  ■in.-  abroad."     This  latter  fact  suggested  to  our  mind 
the  i  the  difference  of  the  valor  between  the  Northern  and 

Southern  soldier.-,  and  that  moral  principle  is  the  basis  of  true 
courage — ope  fighting  with  valor  and  vigor  for  their  liberties,  and. 
the  other  with  indolence  and  neglect  for  the  power  of  his  ppppes- 
-  and  men  from  the  same  grades  of  society,  contending 
for  their  equal  rights,  one  as  much  impressed  with  the  principle  as 
the  other.  And  in  this  connection,  let  it  be  said,  should  an  ollicer, 
under  tie'  garb  of  military  discipline,  become  so  indifferent  to 
the  principles  of  equality  as  to  assume  an  unwarrantable  relation  of 
arrogance  toward  his  men,  he,  mosl  assuredly,  is  an  enemy  to  him- 
self and  the  cause.  In  the  first  place,  when  this  war  shall  have 
passed  away,  with  our  independence  established,  and  the  days  of 
"shoulder  straps"  numbered  with  the  things  of  the  pa>t.  society 
will  sink  back  into  its  former  peaceful  channel  ;  this  unjust  bear- 
ing will  never  be  forgotten  ;  it  will  be  far  better  for  such  an  one 
had  he  occupied  the  position  ol  the  humblest  private  in  the  ranks. 
And,  in  the  second  place,  if  tends  to  promote  an  unprincipled 
aristocracy,  contrary  to  the  genius  of  our  institutions. 

Bui  to  return  to  the  narrative.  On  the  streets  could  be  seen 
many  able-bodied  young  men  ••rutting  the  gent."'  as  in  peaceful 
times;  and  if  they  had  but  been  imbued  with  that  country  pride 
that  they  so  boastfully  assume,  their  mortification  must  have  been 
extreme.  We  raptured  telegraphic  despatches  in  the  Office  at  that 
place  (which  had  remained  as  duplicates),  to  the  Governor,  up  to  a 
few  hours  of  our  arrival,  which  staled  that  we  were  reported  to 
have  entered  tie-  State,  but  that  they  had  no.  apprehensions  that 
Stuart's  "  rebel  gang  "  would  come  that  way,  and  if  they  did  have 
the  assurance  to  .hi  BO,  they  had, a  regiment  of  infantry  and  one 
battery  of  artillery  in  reach  that  would  take  care  of  them  amply  ; 
and,  besides,  they  had  plenty  of  arms,  and  that  the  citizens  would 
turn  out  to  a  man.  and  .would  give  them  such  a  reception  as  would 
BCatter  them  to  the  four  winds.  But  when  the  test  came,  what  be- 
came of  their  "'  regiment  of  infantry  and  battery  of  artillery/''  and 
the  boasted  reception  that  was  to  meet  us  at  the  hands  of  their 
"  lb.iue  Palladiums,"  this  deponent  saith  not  ;  but  it  seemed  that, 
''Bob  Acres  like."  their  valor  gently  oozed  out  at  the  sight  of 
tuart's  little  rebel  baud. 


Hampton's  cavalry.  •47 


CHAPTER    VI. 

EVACUATES  CHAMBERBBURG — PASSAGE  THROUGH  THE  VALLEY — CROSSES 
THE  MOUNTAINS  AT  STEVENS'  GAP — PASSES  SAFELY  OUT  OF.  THE  STATE 
INTO  MARYLAND — JOYOUS  RECEPTION  AT  EMMETTSBURG — SUCCEEDS  IN 
PASSING  THROUGH  THE  ENEMY'S  FORCES  DURING  THE  NIGHT  AND 
REACHES  THE  POTOMAC — PERILOUS  SITUATION,  BUT  AFTER  SHARP 
SKIRMISHING    SUCCEEDS   IN    CROSSING   AND. REACHES    OUR    LINES.      • 

About  ten  o'clock,  A.  M.,  the  command  took  up  the  line  of 
inarch,  turning  down  the  turnpike  leading  to  Gettysburg.  After 
setting  fire  to  the  spacious  building  containing  the  army  stores, 
we  retired.  The  flames  wrapped  the  building,  and  for  an  hour  ihe 
explosions  were  terrific,  shaking  the  very  earth.  Pieces  of  shell, 
fragments  of  timber,  brick,  and  stone,  rent  the  air  for  hundreds  of 
yards  around.  In  moving  on,  the  occasional  bursting  of  a  bomb 
that  had  resisted  the  first  impressions  of  the  fire,  would  strike  the 
ear,  and  give  a  parting  salute  over  the  dying'embers  of  the  charred 
remains  of  this  proud  edifice. 

The  march  progressed  along  without  any  marked  interest,  save 
considerable  accession  to  the  "  led-horse  column,"  and  astonishing 
the  natives  to  utter  discomfiture.  Our  approach  to  the  neighbor- 
ing farm  houses  on  the  road  was  heralded  with  a  gathering  in  and 
an  immediate  closing  of  the  doafs,  as  if  «i  menagerie  of  wild  beasts 
had  been  turned  loose  upon  the  country.  To  give  a  further  in- 
stance of  the  terror  in  .which  we  were  held  by  these  unsophisti- 
cated people  :  In  passing  by  a  neat  log  house,  immediately  on  tho 
roadside,  a  full,  good  humored  looking  face  of  an  elderly  lady, 
whose  features  bespoke  mingled  emotions  of  curiosity  and  fear, 
was  peeping  out  of  a  half  closed  door.  Turning  to  a  very  old  lady 
ling  a  tew  paces  back,  who  gave  every  expression  of  fright, 
and  seemed  remonstrating  with  her  to  desisl  from  her  rash, 
smiling  with  advancing  satisfaction  :  "  Why,  I  will  look.  Why, 
Ann!  Sally,  they  jist  look  like  our  kind  of  folks  ;  tho'  they  do  look 
mighty  dirty  and  devilish,  I  don-1  believe  they'll  hurt  a  body.'' 
wras,  thereupon,  assured  we  would  not  harm  her,  but  to  open 

the    door  and   take   a   look  ;   whereupon    the   door  was    confidently 
opened-  -she  n0\   Aunt  Sally's  corporeal   dimensions  jammed   tho 


its  firth  Hit,  and  Btood  gazing  on  the  passing 

with  the  most  intense  cariosity.     W  1  through  a 

little  mountain  namlet  called   L       town,  at  the  foot 'of  the.  moun- 
tain, at   the  up|  of  the  valley,  through  Stevens'  Gap, 
called  from  an  extensive  iron  furnace  at  its  entrance,  owned  by 
is,  of  ab  ilition  notoriety.     His  ample  stalls  lay  on  the 
itributed  more  generously  to  the  horse  power  of 
the  expedition  than  any  of  hii  gro-loveism  constituents  that 
lay  in  <>nr  r< <n J i-. 
Through  this  gap  we  passed  without  any  interruption,  and.  en« 
!   as   it   was  in  many  places  by  Bteep,  rugged,  overhanging 
cliffs,  a  small  body  of  resolute  men  could  have  effectually  held  as 
inch             tny  of  these  nature-provided  points.     A,t  the  north  en- 
trance we  tamed  off  the  pike,  immediately  to  the  ri.uht.  on  a  pri- 
:p1  passed  within  four  miles  of  Gettysburg, 
where  a  heavy  lore  of  the  enemy  wore  reported  to  be  stationed 
to  make  a  movement  to  inter ce pi   us;  but  we  completely  foiled 
their  vigilance  by  winding  around  by  obscure  roads.     When  be- 
yond their  lines  w  ■  fell  into  a  public  highway  running  along  the 
•  of  Miller's  Valley,  on   the   north   side  of  the  "Short    Hill" 
ran                 1  oul  of  this  valley  through  Fairfield,  a  small  country 
villa              then  across  the  Short   Hills,  which  passed  uj  over  the 
Pennsylvania  State  line,  into  Maryland-near  Emmettsburg,  a  pleas- 
ant and  handsome  [jttle  village,  at  the  foot  of  these  hills. 

The  san  was  nearly  down,    Men  and  horses,  jaded  almost  beyond 
endurance,  having  been  on  a  continual  move  for  the  past  three 

\t  this  place  wo  expected  to  meet  a  Yankee  cavalry  fo 
win.  were  reported  to  have  been  there dnripg  the  day, supposed  to 
be  "ii  the  look  out  for  as.    The  command  was  halted  within  a  mile 

and  an  advance  sent    forward.      So  worn  down  were  the   men,  that 
this  little  halt  found  nearly  hall' the  column  asleep  on  their  Inn 

bat  their  Bnatohed  ap  repose  was  suddenly  interrupted  by  a  suc- 
ion  ol  shouts  that  rang  along  the  whole  line  of  the  advance ; 
the  main  bod}' took  it  to  be  the  usual  signal  for  a  charge,  and  as 
quick  as  thou  i  ry  man  braced  hynself  in  his  saddle,  and  the 
column  was  hurried  on  to  (heir  support.  But  what  an  agreeable 
surprise  awaited  us.     In-  meeting  the  Yankee  columns  in 

deadly  strife,  the  old  and  young  were  thronging  tne  streets  and 
bailing  our  advent  with  sh*outs  ol  the  wildest  joy,  while  clu6tei 
fair  women  and  bevies  of  Bparkling  maidens  greeted  us  with  ex- 


Hampton's  cavalry.  49 

pressions  of  the  most  heartfelt  welcome.  Refreshments  and  bev- 
erages were  profusely  borne  out  and  distributed  into  the  ranks  by 
their  own  generous  hands  to  our  wearied  and  hungry  soldiers, 
which  seemed  to  act  as  a  charm  to  the  dull  spirits  and  exhausted 
frames  of  the  most  way-worn.  When  one  of  the  troopers  would 
chance  to  dismount,  he  was  caught  and  embraced  by  these  lovely 
ones  as  a  brother,  but  he  would  pay  the  penalty  bv  finding  himself 
minus  the  last  button  on  his'old  coat  ;  the  fair  little  rogues  would 
dart  off  and  tauntingly  twirl  them  between  their  delicate  little 
fingers  to  their  unfortunate  companions  who  had  failed  to  secure  a 
rebel  relic.  This  sudden  heartsome  ovation  from  this  down-trod- 
den people  will  -ever  call  forth  emotions  of  pleasing  and  grateful 
recollections  in  the  bosoms  of  every  recipient ;  for,  emerging  as  we 
had,  from  a  deadly  hostile  community,  where,  could  even  woman's 
looks  have  been  daggers,  we  would,  the  last  one  of  us,  shared  a 
worse  than  Siscran  fate  ;  and  then,  so  suddenly  to  find  ourselves  in 
an  atmosphere  of  such  congeniality,  indeed  inspires  feelings  that 
can  but  be  imagined.  But  as  the  deepest  joys  are  shortest,  we 
must  pass  hastily  on,  with  misgivings  and  heartbodings,  to  leave 
these  noble  patriots  behind  in  the  tyrant's  grasp. 

• 

.  But  let  fetters  ne'er  so  tightly  bind, 

The  limbs  of  those  who  would  be  free; 
'T  would  be  madder  to  'tempt  to  gyve  Ihe  mind, 
Than  to  stop  the  rising  tide  of  the  sea. 
■ 

So  long  as  the  tyrant  'tempts  to  bind 

The  oppress'd  people  of  such  noble  soul; 
Tim'  he  may  gyve,  they  will  be  free  in  mind 

As  long  us  the  ehangiug  tide  may  roll. 

No  I   let  us  not,  when  our  bright  sunny  land 

.,!•  the  vile  tyrant's  grasp  se1  free, 
Mori;  tbee  with  Maryland  I  my  Maryland  I 

But  ungyve  your  limbs,  as  your  minds,  so  free, 
Then  hail  ;  viand!   my  Maryland! 

The  last  rays  of  the  setting  sun  fell  upon  this  devoted  little  vil- 
as  we  reluctantly  turned' and  bade  her  a  sad  adieu.  A  body 
of  Yankee  cavalry  bad  I"  ■  n  here  during  the  day.  awaiting,  up  to  a 
tew  momenta  of  our  arrival,  bat* they  broke  and  skedaddled  at  our 
approach,  and  we  were  left  to  pursue  our  onward  march  without 
interruption.  We  turned  to  the  right  on  the  turnpike  leading  to 
7 


BKHOHEB    i 

ktown,  Borne  tw<  nty-five  miles  distant,  which  roa4,  Sift©' 

..  miles,  we  left,  Mini  tun,.  1  to  iho  left  on  a  private 

M  Ettyer  twfcej  and,  baring  again  to  the 

left,  through  the  village  of  W Isboro*  shortly  after  dark, 

where  we  also  met  a  warm  reception  from  her  sympathising  citi- 
-  :  but  not  calling  a   bait,  we  turned  to  the  left  and]  jpassed 
through   Liberty,  a  vill  i  ',•    miles  distant   from   the   latter 

place.     Sere  (it  beii  were  bailed  us  Onion  troops, 'ip 

pursuit  of  tie'  rebel  Stuart.  ■  A  Fankee  officer,  who  seemed  to  be 
at  home,  "ii  his. oars,  with  hat  flourishing  in  hand,  encouraged  the 

column,  and  hoped  they  would  catch  "  old  Stuart  and  his 
rebel  gang"  before  (lay light  :  and  concluded  by  foisting  upon  the 

to  light  and  take  some  refreshments  with  him,  who,  for 
want  of  time,  asked  t"  be  but  broke  a  few  bottles  of 

champagne  in  the  Baddle  with  him.  He  was  then  politely  in- 
formed that  lie  was  General  Stuart's  prisoner,  and  that  then1  was 
a  position  in  the  "rebel  -  him.     He,  however,  reluctantly 

"  fell  in/'^ind  mounted  a  Lave  hack  "  Cenestoga  pony,"  and  was 
taken  along.     Hero  we  v.  ing  into  "'hot  water,"  as  the  Yan- 

forces  were  on  the  move  after  us  on  most  of  the  public  roads. 
We  here  turned  down  the  Baltimore  highway,  and  passed  en  to 
within  twenty-five  miles  of  the  latter  place.  Leaving  this  road  to 
tle>  left,  we  hoic  round  in  the  direction  of  Fredericktown,  but 
learning  that  a  heavy  force  was  at  that  place,  wo  left  it  live  miles 
to  the  right,  and  by  circuitous  by-ways  successfully  evaded  the 
enemy's  pickets,  passed  throngh  Newmarket  about  three  o'clock 
A.M.,  captured  the  telegraph  office  and  recfint  despatches  from 
tie-  Government,  all  enjeining  tie-  strictest  watcb  out  for  the  reb- 
els. 'General  Stuart  passed  d<  ^patches  over  the  line  to  the  au- 
thorities at  Washington  that  the  rebel  command  had  gone  up  in' 
the  direction  of  Barper's  Perry,  and  that  it  was  not  necessary  to 
!  any  more  troops  below.  The  wires  were  thru  destroyed  and 
tie-  railroad  track  obstructed.  After  hajting  an  hour,  the  com- 
mand was  again  put  in  motion.  General  Stuart,  however,  de- 
tached a  pari  of  tip-  North  Carolina  cavalry,  under  Captain  Bar- 
ringer,  and  turned,  with  this  separate  command,  to  the  right,  on 
the  road  leading  to  Urbana,  while  the  main  body  moved  straight 
forVard  on  the  public  highway  to  Brattstown,  without  any  inci- 
dent save  the  capture  of  several  army  wagons  moving  after  their 
commands,  which  were  evidently  on  the  move  for  us  at  the  dif- 


Hampton's  cavalry.  51 

ferent  fordings  below — just*  missing  the  whole  train  by  one  hour, 
thence  by  a  by-way  to  Burnsville.  General  Stuart,  with  his  de- 
tachment, moved  on  and  reached  Urban  a  before  daybreak.  Here 
he  halted  for  an  hour,  and  breakfasted  at  his  former  headquarters. 
This  sudden  and  unexpected  advent  was  a  matter  of  great  surprise 
and  congratulation  to  these  sympathizing  people,  whose  warm  hos- 
pitality we  had  a  few  months  before  enjoyed.  However  rejoiced, 
they  evinced  the  greatest  solicitude  for  General  Stuart's  safety, 
being  in  the  midst  of  the  Yankee  forces.  One  body  had  just 
passed  down  in  the  direction  of  Poolsville,  and  another  had 
camped  just  a  mile  above,  and  were  moving  behind,  thus  placing 
him  between  the  two  columns.     He  moved  leisurely  off  down  the  . 

Washington  highwav.     At  the  far  end  of  the  town  General  Stuart 

.  .   .        .    • 

and  some  of  his  officers  were  riding  in  advance  of  the  column, 

when  they  were  accosted  by  an  individual  running  out  from  a 
harnessed  up  vehicle  (it  was  just  light),  who  rudely  said  to  them  : 
"Hey.  my  lads,  which  way  this  morning?"  General  Stuart  indig- 
nantly drew  up,  and  said  :  *'  Who  are  you,  and  what  are  you  doing 
here  this  time  in  the  morning?"  He  assumed  a  more  obedient  and 
respectful  toner  "  Why,  excuse  me,  Major,  I  did  not  know  it  was 
really  ye,  sir.  I  do  hope  ye  will  not  think  hard  of  me,  Major,  as  I 
jist  thought  ye  were  sotne  o'  the  boys  passing,  and  so  I  hailed  ye. 
You  see  these  infernal  teamsters  got  scared  that  Stuart's  rebel 
cavalry  was  coming  this  ere  way,  and  so  the}'  skedaddled  oft'  last 
night  and  left  me  and  one.wagoiralone,  ye  see.  Why,  these  d — d 
rebel  cavalry  are  iverywhere,  and  that  d — d  old  rebel  Stuart  gives 
us  more  trouble  than  a  little;  but  I  think  they  will  stop  him  this 
trip,  as  sure  as  fate."  Here,  to  his  trembling  astonishment,  he  was 
informed  that  he  was  General  Stuart's  prisoner,  and  to  drive  out 
liis  wagon,  which  proved  to  be  a  well  assorted  supply  of  sutler's 
stores.  General  Stuart  with  the  detachment  joined  the  main  body 
at  Burnsville,  having  passed  through  the  enemy's  lines  without 
encountering  his  pickets. 

The  command  was  moved  on  cautiously  in  the  direction  of  Pools- 
ville, where  there  was  a  heavy  force  to  intercept  us  OD  thai  road 
(it  being  about  six  miles  from  tliis  point  to  the  river).  But  after 
advancing  to  within  two  and  a  half  miles  of  the  latter  place,  turned 
(.If  the  road  and  beret  round  bo  the  right,  along  a  fresh,  open  way 
through  the  woods  and  fields,  where  there  had  never  been  the  sign 
of  a  road  before.     Skirmishers  were  thrown  <»ut.  on  the  right  and 


who  luckily  captun  of  the  enatny  they 

with.     The  tnain  column  movec|  on  slowly,  feeling 
.  till  within  right  ol  the  Pot* 

it  of  the  expedition,  the  recrossing.     [mmedi* 
y  in  front  of  ns  lay  Edward 'a  Perry,  also  used  as  a  fording; 
.-till  four  miles  t"  the  left  lay  an  obscure  crossing,  called  Cheek's 
I.    The    '  narded  by  artillery  and  cavalry  ; 

latter  was   supposed   not   t  I    !  at  all,  or  at   I 

.tly.  while  hra\\   forces  wen-  moving  down  from  PoolsviUej 
idden  dash  ires  made  by  a  detachment  ol  artillery  and  cavalry 
upon  the  ferry,  which  had  the  eilecl  of  driving  the  enemy's  guns 
from  his  position  :  while  entertaining  him  here,  the  main  body 
wheeled  and  moved  hurriedly  down  to  the  ford  below.    The  guard 
on  the  upper  Bide  were  all  captured  ;  but  high  dill's  jotting  from 
the  lower  side,  completely  overlooking  the  ford,  were  discovered 
t'.  be  lined  with  tbeenemy's  infantry.    With  this  formidable  obata* 
In  our  front,  his  artillery  and  cavalry  moving  down  the  river, 
and   a   heavy   body   of  infantry   moving   up   behind,  everything 
indeed,  looked  doubtful.     Btfl  the  quick  eye  of  General  Stuart  met 
this  emergency  by  maneuvering  two  pieces  of  artillery  on  an  emi» 
nence  to  the  left  ftiat  overlooked  these  cliffs,  and  a  few  well  <li- 
belle  thrown  in  their  midst'  cleaned  them  out,  and  a  body 
or  dismounted  sharpshooters  wire  immediately  thrown  in  upon 
them,  driving  them  entirely  oil',  and  held  the  cliffs  while  our  other 
atertained  theirs  rariomly,  and  also  kept  up  a  fight  on  the 
upper  |  In  the   meantime  the  column  was  successfully 

at   this  lord,  and  a  lew  pieces  of  artillery  got   in  posi- 
tion on  the  high  hill-  on  the  Virginia  side,  s<>  as  to  cover  the  other 
o  crossing  :  and  ju>t  as  they  were  relinquishing  their  posi- 
tion, a  brigade  of  the  enemy's  infantry  en  me  double-quicking  down, 

but    a   lew  well   directed    shot-,  thrown  in   their   midst,  sent   them 

skedaddling  back  in  confusion.  They  again  reappeared,  rein- 
ed by  another  brigade,  hot  onl}  in  timu  to  see  our  rear  gain 
the  other  bank;  chagrined  and  disappointed,  thus  they  beheld 
their  so  much  ooveted  game  so  completely  slip  their  fingers — 
Which  was  indeed  n  subject  grattilation  to  the  exhausted 

lie    threw    his    weary    form    down    upon    the    "green 
sward "  of  tin?  old  Dominion  to  rest,  having  passed  over  a  most 

extraordinary  circuit    in   the  short  space  of  three  days  and  a   half, 
Surpassing  any   former  movement  lor  celerity  on  military  record. 


Hamilton's  cavalry.  53 

In  1803  it  is  recorded,  that  Wellington's  cavalry  in  India  marched 
the  distance  of  sixty  miles  in  twenty-four  hours.  Lord  Lake,  it  is 
said,  with  his  English  cavalry,  marched  seventy  miles  in  twenty- 
four  hours,  which  is  the  nearest  approximation  to  this  march  of 
General  Stuart's  from  Chambersburg.  Taking  all  his  circuitous 
windings  to  the  Potomac,  it  was  ninety  miles  in  twenty-two  hours, 
bringing  successfully  off  with  him  a  cumbersome  train  of  captured 
horses  ;  and,  what  is  more  remarkable,  passed  through  the  right 
wing,  around  the  rear,  and  through  the  lfeft  wing  of  McClellan's 
army,  and  for  the  most  part  through  a  deadly  hostile  country, 
without  a  single  casualty,  capturing  four  hundred  prisoners,  de- 
stroying a  million  of  dollars  worth  of  Government  stores,  and 
bringing  off  two  Miousand  head  of  horses.*  This  annoying  dash 
has  given  their  own  citizens  a  faint  idea  of  the  sweets  of  war,  and 
has  taught  them  a  wholesome  respect  for  us,  as  their  most  rabid 
sheet,  the  New  York  Tribune,  candidly  expresses  :  "  That  Stuart's 
gang  of  horse  thieves,  notwithstanding  the  fact  that  they  all  richly 
deserve  the  halter,  made  a  favorable  impression  wherever  they 
went.  We  all  like  pluck,  dash,  and  boldness,  even  when  exhibited 
by  highway  robbers.  The  old  farmers  who  lost  all  their  horses, 
and  as  firm  in  the  support  of  the  Union  as  the  hill*,  could  not  but 
admire  the  coolness,  bravery,  and  discipline,  which  characterized 
their  every  movement.  Compared  with  Stuart's  cavalry,  our  own 
sink  into  insignificance,  and  seem  about  as  valuable  asthe  crowd 
of  dandy  ponies  that  gallop  up  Fifth  Avenue  every  pleasant  after- 
noon." 

We  passed  through  the  patriotic  old  town  of  Leesburg  amid  the 
shouts  and  congratulations  of  hef  citizens  ;  similar  manifestations 
now  greeted  OUT  entire  course  ;  crossed  the  Blue  Ridge  at  Snick- 
er's Gap,  and  reached  our  headquarters  at  Martinsburg  on  tho 
12th. 

*  And  M  rare  were  the  old  farmers  of  Pennsylvania  of  our  capture,  (lint  ti  <  y  had 
come  or.  after  1 1 1  *  -  pursuing  column  to  prove  and  take  charge  of  tlnir  horse  property. 


SKETCHES    IUOM 


CHAPT  i:  B    vii. 

(WITHDRAWAL   FBOM   THE  VALLEY— 

•     ■ 
LB  YASHIN  >   LAUREL  MILLS      BABA8SE8  THE  REAB.  OP  THE 

V.SNKKK   \liMV  IN   MOVING  D  tNTESSENI  B 

01 

Smco  ti  -  of  the  last  chapter,  the  command  was  quietly 

ping  up  the  upper  posl  of  the  Potomac.    The  river  beiug  the 

line,  brougbl   the  pickets  of  seen  party  in  Bpeaking  distaste  of 

m  an  arrangement  not  to  fire  at  one 
i  of  un  frequent 
li   pithy  dialo  the  following   would  occhr 

betwten  "  Yank  "  and  "  Secesh  :" 

5?    ik — (derisn  "How  are  ye,  boys — don't  yon.  want  Borne 

(aptly).    "Not  any.  thank  yee  ;  gol  plenty  fromPenn: 
sylvan!  » 

Yank — (gathering  and  coBfc  "D<  a'1  yod  want  Borne 

clothing  over  thei 

\  't  a  stitch  :  we  got  a  good  Bupply  at  Harper's  Perry 
and  over  in  Pennsylvania.** 

— (sneeringly).      '"Why    do    yer    fellers   wear    our    blue 
clothes;  you've  gol  a&ranm  rnment,  why  don't  it  furnish 

you  m  its  owi  '//■(/// '/" 

E  •  ay,  egad ;  we  el  youn  so  much  cheaper." 
akee  curiosity  seemed  satisfied  at  this  game,  ami  as- 
sumed a  !i.  tl'ul  tone,  and  then  gave  the  confab  a  more 
i  ipkee  finally  concluding  by  proposing  to  meet 
half  way  in  the  river  and  settle  the  pending  difficulties  ovVr  a 
bottle  of  whiskey,  which  would  be  accepted,  meeting  in  a  noncha- 
lant air  to  th'             '  the  hostile  parties  on  each  bank. 

On  I  Lsl  N  mber>  down  on  the  right,  on  Pitz.  Lee's  line 
in  fronl  of  Harper's  Perry,  the  frequent  pounding  of  Pelham's 
horse  artillery  gave  us  notice  thai  the  petal  up  columns  of  Model- 
Ian  were  seeking  a  vent  through  the  mountains  to  make  another 
'•  On  to  Richmond."    Our  maid  army  in  the  meantime  were  laving 


Hampton's  cavalry.  55 

quietly  up  in  the  valley  around  Winchester,  and  by  the  enemy's 
demonstrations  on  the  extreme  left  passes,  he  was  leaving  our. 
army  to  the  right  and  moving  in  the  direction  of  Warreriton, 
making  "  that  masterly  movement"  through  the  mountain  down 
the  north  bank  of  the  Rappahannock,  that  the  boastful,  parasitical 
Northern  press  gave-  out  was  to  thwart  the  "Rebel  Lee."  and  give 
them  aii  easy  occupation  of  Richmond.  This  beautiful  programme 
was  to  be  carried  out  not  exactly  by  lighting,  but  to  bent  the  vary 
Lee  there  by  a  foot  race.  But  if  circumstances  had  placed  Rich- 
mond as  a  goal  of  refuge  from  rebel  bayonets,  the  gallant  soldiers 
of  the  "  Young  Napoleon,"  doubtless,  from  their  Bijll  Runfsh  pro- 
clivities, would  have  won  at  that  game  ;  but,  as  the  sequel  of 
events  will  show,  a  sad  accident  befel  his  novel  programme— that 
either  the  Young  Napoleon  had  not  carefully  examined  the  track 
before  setting  his  couriers  on,  or  that  the  new  rider,  who  relieved 
him,  did  not  spur  fast  enough. 

The  enemy,  in  debouching' from  his  base  through  the  mountains, 
gave  oar  caValry  and  horse  artillery  active  work,  both  to  keep 
their  clrValrv,  which  was  largely  superior  to  us  in  numbers,  to  the 
lines  of  their  main  body,  and  from  dashing  against  the  flanks  of 
our  army  that  was  also  on  the  move.  This  called  in  our  cavalry 
from  its  lines.  On  the  3d  of  November  we  took  up  the  line  of 
march,  leaving  behind  us  our  good,  loyal  population  to  be  again 
cursed  by  the  hateful  presence  of  the  Yankees— -for  no  one  can 
hate  them  so  deeply  as  those  who  have  been  in  immediate  contact 
with  them.  On  our  first  day's  march  we  met  with  nothing  of 
Special  interest,  save  the  wistful  looks  ol  many  a  longing  old  man 
or  fair  maiden  as  we  passed  along.  The  command  bivouacked  at 
the  east  end  "I  the  valley  beyond  Berryville. 

next  day  we  crossed  the  Shenandoah  River  it  au  obscure 
ford  at  the  fool  of  the  Blue  Ridge,  jusj  below  where  the  Mana 
railroad  and  crossed   over   the  ridge  at   Manassas   Gap. 

Hi  re  the  enemy's  cavalry  dashed  ilpon  our  advance,  but  a  few 
volleys  sent  them  skedaddling  down  the  mountain  in  the  wildest 
confusion',  leaving  behind  Beversil  dead  and  wounded.  Here  we 
tamed  to  the  right   from  the  main  road,  and  pursued  an  obscure 

track  along  the  eastern  t\o\ f  the  mountain,' and  baited  late  in 

the  night  tea  miles  beyond  the  gap,  at  the  foot  of  the  mountain 
near  Barber3  m  proximity  to  the  enemy,  who 

Were   reported  to   be   advancing   from    the  direction   of  Snick. 


■■ 

irown  out  daring  the  niirht,  and  early 

.in  the  morn ii  ivalry  and  artillery  w<  ad- 

in  the  direction  of  tl  ds,  with  infantry  or  die- 

ivalry  moving  in  it  nana  down   the  mountain 

ust  behind.    <>ui  him  al  tliis  point  w 

only  Eampfc  Iry,  ;m»«1  not   more  than  three-fourths  lit  for 

doty,  and  ■  portion  of  the  Ninth  Virginia  cavalry  and  one  battery 

tillery,  with  General  Stuart  in  command.    Our  fori 
were  kepi  I   behind  the  bills  till  about  eleven  o'clock, 

when  the  enemy  were  Been  advancing  slowl^fand  cautiously  to- 
w-roads.    Their      |        :h  t<>  this  point  was  throu 
a  wide  lain-,  with  a  running  on  bach  side.     At  the 

i-  stood  an  old  store  boose  and  some  other  dilapidated 
build  1  iiu  .ill  -  lee  were  undulating  open  Gelds,  checked  off 

with  rough  stoni  Tl        illowing  disposition  was  made  of 

our  little  0  I    i         irtillery  on  the  right  at  the  ci 

roads,  supported  by  a  squadron  of  the  North  Carolina  cavalry  ; 
another  in  the  otntre,  and  another  on  the  left,  supported  beta  por- 
tion of  the  Georgia  cavalry,  the  remaining  lour  siptadroflsfof  the 
th  Carolina  cavalry  in  advance  on  the  left,  and  the  South 
(  il'ma  cavalry  on  the  Bztreme  left  flank;  the  Ninth  Virginia 
on  the  main  road  leading  by  the  store  house,  with  a  small  body 
of  dismounted  sharpshooters,  under  Lieutenant  J,  .M.  Morrow, 
posted  behind  the  buildings  at  the  cross-road-,  and  also  a  small 
body  of  the  Q  is  cavalry  as  sharpshooters,  on  the  extreme 
right  ilank.    Our  batteries  opened  vigorously  upon  the  i  Demy's 

advance,  which   -  licit    1   B  Worm    response   from    theirs.      The   duel 
was  kept    up  an   hour  and   a   hilt.     In   the   meantime   the  enemy's 

sharpshooters  were  i  up  under  cover  <>\'  the  stone  fences 

leading  from  their  column  to  the  crOSS-roads,  and  also  behind   some 

bone  I'ip.-  on  the  hit.  The  battery  at  the  cross-roads, 
firing  it>  hot  r»  and  of  ammunition,  was,  'with  its  support,  with- 
drawn.   Their  cavalry,  on  seeing  this,  came   dashing  down  the 

lane    to    follow    and    capture    the    piece,  hilt    a    well    directed    volley 
from  Lieutenant   Morrow's  little  aquad   checked   their  advance,  and 

continued  pouring  it  into  then-  contuse^  ranks,  and  drove  them 
back:  they, however,  rallied  and  completed  the  charge  upon  the 
htiildings,  when  the  sharpshooters  retired,  after  again  emptying  a 
I  number  o\'  saddles,  with  several  of  the  party  wounded.  Im- 
mediately at   the  crOSS-roads  the  Virginia  cavalry   mot  and  drove 


Hampton's  cavalry.  57 

them  back  under  cover  of  their  sharpshooters.  In  the  meantime 
the  enemy's*  cavalry  had  advanced  on  the  advance  squadrons  of 
the  North  Carolina  cavafr  on  the  left,  where  Colonel  Gordon  gal- 
.  lantly  met  and  was  driving  them  before  him,  but  ran  into  an  am- 
buscade of  the  enemy's  sharpshooters  behind  a  stone  fence,  where 
a  Dumber  of  our  men  were  captured  ;  retiring,  he  was  charged  by 
the  Yankee  cavalry,  in  which  the  sabre  was  used  quite  freely, 
driving  them  back  again,  and  following  them  up  vigorously,  recap- 
tured most  of  our  men  and  bore  off  a  number  of  theirs.  The 
South  Carolina  cavalry  came  to  their  support  and  held  the  posi- 
tion. After  this  an  artillery  duel  was  kept  up  briskly  for  two 
hours,  when  all  our  wounded  were  taken  off  and  the- command  with- 
drawn without  any  interruption  to  the  Front,  Royal  turnpike,  and 
bivouacked  for  the  night  at  Gaines'  cross-roads.  Our  loss  was 
ascertained  to  have  jpeen  fifty  killed,  wounded  and  missing. 

The  next  day  there  was  some  skirmishing  of  the  other  cavalry 
on  the  left,  but  our  command  was  not  engaged.  We  bivouacked 
the  ensuing  night  in  the  same  place,  in  a  thick  timber,  behind 
some  bills — a  most  bitter  cold  night,  without  axes  to  prepare  fire- 
wood— the  North  Carolina  cavalry  being  the  farthest  down  the 
road  on  the  advance  position.  The  next  morning  fouud  the  snow 
falling  thick  ami  fast,  and  continued  until  the  afternoon.  About 
three  o'clock,  while  shivering  around  our  stinted  camp  fires,  calling 
down  anything  but  blessings  upon  the  head  of  Mars  for  introduc 
ing  such  a  cruel  modi  s  operandi  for  settling  difficulties  between 
mortals,  the  ominous  cracks  from  our  well  known  carbines  at  the 
nearest  picket  posl  of  the  last  named  regirrent,  and  tin*  rushing  in 
of  a  courier,  rief  notice  of  the  untimely  approach  of  the 

enemy.  Every  man  to  his  horse,  ami  down  into  the  road  dashed. 
Our  pickets  were  falling  back  hurriedly,  and  were  now  at  the  edge 
of  the  camp  ;  a  large  body  of  their  dismounted  men  were  attempt* 
ing  to  flank  and  surround  us  on  the  right,  and  a  heavy  body  of  his 
cavalry  was  advancing  up  the  mad.  Colonel  Gordon  met  the 
emergency  by  placing  the  cavalrx'  in  the  road,  and  tin-owing  a 
body  of  dismounted  men  ouf  00  the  right,  under  Lieutenant  Siler, 
who  boldly  and  vigorously  met  apd  drove  them  back  from  bill  t<> 

hill,  and   held    them   against    their   mam    body  until    a    pieco  of  OUT 
artillery  was  brought  up.  when  they  were  finally  driven   back,  and 
retreated  precipitately  down  the  road.     Their  artillery  v 
quite  freely,  but  without  any  effect.     Tins  regiment  was  the  only 
I 


58  SKETCHES   FROM 

N  ras  orden  the  repulsed  was  too 

-.■     |  arty,  th<  i     tits  o(  the  bygade, 

up  the  road,  and  the  onset  bein 

up  in  time  to  make  pursuit.    The  enemy  had 

.  hilt-  Lhe  success  of  this  spirited  little 

:  parcbaaed  with  de.     Lientenanl  J. 

K.   from    M  County,  N.  C,  fell   while 

dismounted   Bkirmishers  in  the    last  charge. 

In  him  i.  a  valiant  and  u  ible  soul :  cool  brave,  gen- 

1  kind,  his  i  1   him  like  a  hn>tl#r.    A  few  of  his 

tn  when  be  fell,  Utre  bim  off,  while  the  remainder 

s  until  the  affair  wae  over.    Sad,  indeed,  was  the 

when   his  weather-bronzed   men  wept  around   bis   life! 

i,    >ned  the  fresh  fallen  snow.     But 
dder.  the  home  scene,  when  that  manly  form  lay  be- 
1    friends,  a  fallen  sacrifice   for  liberty.     Father. 
mot]  r   country's    altar   could    pot    h 

had  a  more  worthy  sacrifice,  and  may  you  and  yours  live  to  enjoy 
that  sacrifice. 

"They  who  for  tln-ir  country  die, 
Shall  till  an  hoi:. 

-  tomb, 
And  beaut;  brave." 

ling  day,  November  8th,  the  enemy,  with  a  strong 
ralry,  made  a  Budden  dash  upon  tl*  camp  of  the 
at,  which  was' situated   some   three    miles  Prom 
Gain*  the  turnpike  mar  Littfe  Washington.     They 

led  the  pickets  al  th<  and  came  in  a  fry-way  from 

the  i  mill-  and  a  halt'  from  thu  camp),  where  a  small  Jbody  of 

men,  nod       L  ml    Wm.   Dial,  of  the  Georgia  cavalry,  with 

only  ten  men,  were  picketing,  who  gallantly  met  the  onset,  falling 
hack  slowly  to  a  narrow  lane,  stubbornly  contesting  the  ground, 
bore  up  band  to  -hand,  with  their  pressing  assailants.  The  com- 
1  at  the  camp  heard  it  and  were  hurrying  out  to  meet  the 
:n.  Colonel  Deloney,  putting  spurs  to  his  borse,  left  the  Col- 
umn behind  and  dasbed  up  into  the  melee,  and  hand  to  hand  with 
his  brave  b  •  all  of  whom  had  been  cut  down,  was  de- 

bis  hl<>\\  ind  left,  when  ah  athl<  tic  Yankee  trooper 

tiled  him  just  as  be  was  raising  his  dripping  Babre  from  its  vie- 


Hampton's  cavalry.  •       .59 

tim.  His  new  antagonist's  blows  weje  dexterously  dealt,  and  an 
instant  parry  saved  his  head  ;  a  quick,  heavy  blow,  partially  ward- 
ed off,  fell  broadside  and  deadened  his  sword  arm,  causing  it  to 
fall  helpless  by  his  side  ;  one  more  deadly  fhrust  at  heart,  but  luck- 
ily a  silver-eased  flask  in  the  breast  coat  pocket  turns  the  weapon's 
sharp  point,  and  it  glides  by,  only  grazing-  the  skin.  Exasperate^ 
at  his  foiled  attempt,  the  furious  trooper,  with  knit  brows  and  com- 
pressed lips,  was  raising  the  filial  blow',  at  the  length  of  his  power- 
ful arm — the  column  comes  thundering  up  in  hurrying  tread — out- 
stripping the  foremost  dashes  a  small  boy  on  a  little  keen  black 
charger  ;  his  darting  eye  catches  his  beloved  Colonel's  awful  dilem- 
ma, and  with  upraised  gleaming  sabre,  arrests  the  fatal  blow,  by 
cleaving  the  confident  antagonist's  head  in  twain,  and  half  raising 
it  for  another  stroke,  apistol  shot  sends  the  noble  lad,  too,  reeling" 
from  his  saddle,  dangerously  wounded.*  The  last  one  of  the  gal- 
lant ten  had  fallen,  killed  or  wounded.'  Hand  to  hand  the.  support- 
ing party  furiously  took  up  the  rencounter.  Old  United  States 
regulars  had  been  met,  but  Southern  impetuosity  was  too  much  for 
them;  they  began  to  yield  and  give  ground,  when  a  body  of  our 
dismounted  men  gained  their  flanks,  when  they  broke  ;  here  our 
artillery  came  dashing  up  and  completed  the  success  and  sent  them 
scampering  down  the  road  at  a  most  inconvenient  speed.  They 
were  pursued  a  short  distance,  but  the  pursuing  party  was  called 
off  on  account  of  its  weakness.  The  enemy's  loss  in  killed;  and 
wounded,  and  captured  was  seventy-five  ;  our  loss  was  twenty-five 
killed  and  wounded. 

From  this  point  General  Hampton  assumed  the  aggressive.  He 
made  two  successful  dashes  on  the  enemy's  position  at  Laurel 
Mills,  fourteen  miles  above  Culpeper  C.  H.,  succeeded  in  routing 
and  driving  them  entirely  from  that  region,  killing,  wounding,  and 

*  Wo  deem  it  worthy  to  si  ite  that  this  noble  boy,  JImmie  Clanton,  scarce  sixteen 
years  old,  ig  the  son  of  a   highly  respectable   and  influential  citizen   of  Augusta 

isly  wounded  in  the  body,  but  has  since  recovered.     His  devoted  father, 

on  hearing  of  his  situation,  hurried  on  out  to  visit  him,  ami  repaired  to  the  place  where 

poor  .limmio  by  in  the  most  precarious  situation.     On  entering-  the  room,  the  solicitous 

ig  his  suffering  I  1  out  an  his  back,  after  f-aluting  him,  not 

even  waiting  to  Inquire  of  his  welfare,  but  looking   anxiously  into    his    pale  features: 

boy,  my  boy,  tell  m<  g  the  foe  or  with  your  beck  to  him." 

Jimmie  showed  the  wound  in  front.  "All  right,  my  brave  boy,"  with  hi*  venerable  face 
sparkling  with  joy.  "  I'd  with  far  greater  pride  buried  yon  with  that  wound  in  front 
than  for  you  to  have  saved  your  life  by  running." 


I  I  i:OM 

;•  :   which  riil   the  t'arin ■  •  rs  of  the  presence 

.mining  •  -  of 

ling  down  to  robbing  the  roosi  of  the 

beo,  thus  giving  no vidence  of  the   thieving  brigand 

era  lighting  for  princ 
i  daily  reconnoiesam  -  found  tlmt  the  whole  fori 

idly  moving  on  down,  and  on  the  night  of  the 
neral   Hampton,  whh  a  detacbmenl  from  the  North  and 
th  Carolina  cavalry  proceeded  cautiously  toward   his  camps, 
which  were  found  to  be  \                 I          ronnoiasance  waa  pushed 
u  Broad  Run  to  within  eight   miles  of  Warrenton,  where 
their  pickets  were  d               1  and  driven  in,  and  after  skirmish- 
ing with  and   harassing  their  main  body  a  g 1  part  of  the  day, 

:    back  across  Broad  Ran,  losing  one  killed  and  three 
wounded;  the  enemy's  1  n  killed  and  wounded.    Early 

D<  \t  morning  another,  reconnoissance  was  made  in  the  same  direc- 
tion, and  all  the  camps  were  found  to  have  been  deserted  during 
We   kept   on  their  track   through  Warrenton;  here 
n  slept  iii  the  identical  bed  Burnside  had  aJepI  in  the 
it  before,  occupying  for  bis  headquarters  the  bouse  where  the 
young  Napoleon  bad  turned  bis  command  over  to  Burnside.     Here 
the  celebrated  Black  Horse  Cavalry  pursued  and  captured  in  the 
farther  .-i<lt-  of  town,  a  part  of  their  rear  guard.     We  followed 
•lv  on  their  heels.     The  conduct  that  characterized  their  track 
through  the  country  was  enough  to  demoralize  the  soldiers  of  Pe- 
1'  iiiii-  wantonly  laid  waste,  houses  pillaged,  not 
i  living  domestic  animal  nor  a.graio  for  bread,  left   for  these  unfor- 
tunate  i  .    nevertheless,  our  presence  would  seem  to  cheer 
them  int  oi  their  situation,  which  augurs  that  no 
earthly  power  can  ever  Bhake  their  faith  from  our  cause. 

In  passing  through  the  desolated  region  of  Fauquier  County  wo 
in  instance  of  me. hum---,  in  the  way  of  Yankee  trickery,  that 
should  be  set  down  to  the  account  ol  that  people  who  arc  laboring 
that  they  may  not  "escape  A  certain  Yankee  General 

•  bis  headquarters  at  a  Mis.  Bowman's;  as  he  said,  lie  went, 
there  ..in  ol'  kindness,  to  protect  her  property ;  lnt  rather  gave  it 
the  protection  the  wolf  gives  the  lamb.  On  leaving,  he  politely 
requested  his  hill  for  aelf  and  .-tall*,  which  was  objected  to  ;  dock 
ing  it  one-half,  he  g  lv<  the  poor  woman  an  order  on  the  hank  at, 
Washington,  winch  BJie   protested  would   Jo  her   no   good,  and  in 


Hampton's  cavalry.  61 

lieu  of  which  she  asked  to  be  allowed  to  draw  some  necessaries 
from  his  commissary,  which  was  reluctantly  granted,  allowing  her 
among  some  few  items  a  barrel  of  sugar,  which  was  rolled  up  to 
the  cellar  door,' the  industrious  Brigadier  superintending  the  plac- 
ing it  in  the  cellar,  calling  the  lady's  attention  to  the  fact  that  the 
barrel  staves  were  rather  open,  and  that  the  sugar  was  working 
through  the  crevices,  but  he  had  examined  and  found  the  sugar 
in  good  condition.  A  few  days  after  the  gallant  General  and  his 
cortege  had  left,  Mrs.  Bowman  had  the  barrel  opened,  and  instead 
of  the  refined  saccharine  crystals,  it  had  been  packed  with  the  com- 
monest dirt  of  the  orchard,  the  crevices  being  smeared,  alone  con- 
tained any  of  the  article  bartered  for.  And  the  only  satisfaction 
the  poor  doped  lady  had  was  a  side-wipe  retort  upon  one  of  this 
wooden-nutmeg  General'*  Aids,  who  called  a  few  days  afterwards 
for  his  dinner  ;  and  in  the  course  of  his  conversation  at  the  table, 
remarked  that  she  had  fine  lands,  and  on  asking  what  such  lands 
sold  at,  -lie  curtly  answered,  "  that  it  had  sold  for  thirty  dollars  per 
barrel,"  (the  price  of  the  bogus  sugar.)  Whereupon  he  insisted  on 
an  explanation.  She  simply  referred  him  to  his  General,  whose 
conscience  doubtless 

Shame  could  never  reach, 
Tho'  it  strove  with  the  power 
Of  the  mightiest  catapult. 

t  We  bivouacked  near  Warrenton  Springs,  and  next  day  made  a 
reconiioissance  out  north  of  the  Springs,  when  it  was  ascertained 
that  the  enemy's  force  was  moving  off  from  the  direction  of  the 
upper  fords  of  the  Rappahannock,  down  through  Fauquier  and 
Stafford  Counties  in  the  direction  of  Fredericksburg.  Our  com- 
mand then  bore  down  and  crossed  the  Rappahannock  at  Lawson's 
Ford,  and  thence  moved  on  to  Brandy  Station  and  went  into  camp 
in  that  vicinity. 

Here  our  brigade  was  posted  and  held  the  upper  lines  of  the 
Rappahannock  in  front  of  the  enemy's  extreme  right  picketing  and 
guarding  the  different  fords.  From  this  point  General  Bampton, 
mad''  frequent  and  successful  raids  within  the  enemy's  lines.  On 
the  last  "i  November,  with  a  detachment  of  four  hundred  men.  ho 
crossed  the  Rappahannock  and  penetrated  into  Fauquier  and  i 
tured  an  entire  Yankee  cavalry  camp,  se<  tiring  and  bearing  nil'  a 
large  number  of  prisoners,  aud  the  camp  equipments,  without  the 


SKFTCIlFs    FROM 

pieman.    He  made  several  daring  and  e  il  raids, 

1  I       ;■!  in,  surprising  and  de- 
many  prisoners,  large  trains  of  wagons 
which  generally  proved    rich  and   valuable, 
l  w  the  I  the  8]  oils.     ( '  rod 

moked  beef  tongues,  Westphalia 

hams  r.  lemons,  or  lams,  note,  and  in  fine  a  little 

thing   thai   a   well   assorted   confectionery  on    Broadway 

would  contain  ;  an'd  then — which  is  hardly  thinable — "Thomas  and 

nihil."  :ui(l  brandies  and  wines  of  the  mbst  approved  brands. 

Out  fine    brands   was   called   a  gaudily   painted   cask, 

labelled  in  the  m  A   Ohbistmas  I  to 

A.  I'..  Bubhbidb,"  which  waj  pi  teed  under  Bpecial  deposit  for 

I  I.    Doubtless  1  he  donor  of  this  micerried 

would,  under  the  regime  of  Abraham  I.,  be  bastiled   for 

instilling  spirit  into  the  rebellion.     <>n  one  or  these  sudden  dashes 

into  Occoquan,  Gfeneral   Hamilton  capture*d  the  notorious  Virginia 

traitor  and  Bpy,  J.  C  I'nderw 1.    These  raids  were  made  during 

rigoron  d  of  the  winter,  traveling  day  and  night, 

amid   tb  torms  <»f  Bleel   and  snow,  which   was  boms 

rfully,  as  our  noble  and  beloved  commander,  sacrificing  every 
pleasure,  never  tailed  to  share  with  ua  the  mosl  extreme  privations. 
These  .ii]ii"yit'.L.r  raids  so  Beriously  affected  the  enenn  's  communica- 
tion, that  the  line  between  Alexandria  and  Fredericksburg  was 
suspended.    The  enemy  attempted  several  times  to  lore-  a  pas- 

rds  above,  hut  in  every  instance  were  successfully 
Iriven  hack. 


Hampton's  cavalry.  63 


CHAPTER    VIII. 

stuart's  raid  on  burnside's  rear — crosses  the  Rappahannock — 
makes  a  descent  upon  dumfries  and  occoquan — meets  and 
disperses  the  yankee  cavalry  most  handsomely — captures  a 
large  train  of  wagons  and  sutlers'  stores — captures  berk- 
ley station — prisoners  and  supplies. 

The  battle  of  Fredericksburg  had  been  fought  under  the  regime 
of  its  new-fledged  general,  who  had,  to  use  their  own  favorite 
phrase,  "met  a  damaging  repulse."  He  had  stolen  back,  with  his 
shattered  force8,  across  the  river  on  his  pontoons,  which  had  he, 
Caesar  like,  burnt  behind  hi  in,  his  beaten,  demoralized  army  would 
have  been  completely  gobbled  by  the  wary  Lee.  But  he  had  suc- 
ceeded, under  cover  of  night,  in  doggedly  drawing  them  back 
again,  and  lie  lay  cowering  between  the  Rappahannock  and  Po- 
tomac, which  presented  an  opportune  occasion  for  a  mischievous 
prank  in  his  rear  by  our  "light,  dashing  dragoons."  •  Accord- 
ingly, a  little  oyer  a  week  after  this  event,  on  Christmas  morning, 
December  25th,  that  season  once  flie  signal  of  joy  and  mirth,  the 
weather-beaten  trooper,  if  he  had  any  anticipations  on  that  event, 
they  were  blasted  by  the  bugle's  importunate  notes,  summoning 
"boots  and  saddles."  In  every  camp  ho  could  be  seen  cheerfully 
busying  himself  in  packing  his  haversack,  adjusting  hfs  lull  com- 
plemenl  of  cartridge  rounds,  belting  his  sabre,  and  flinging  on  his 
far  bine,  in' pursuance  of  an  order  of  the  night  previous,  to  be 
ready  early,  with  jive  days'  rations,  en  route  for  some  point  un- 
known. About  ten  o'clock  the  whole  brigade  moved  oil'  in  full 
trim  in  the  direction  of  the  Rappahannock,  Where  we  joined  the 
other  cavalry  of  the  whole  division,  with  its  accompaniment  of  two 
tillery.  ;uid  bivouacked  for  the  night  Oil  the  south 
bank.  Early  nexl  morning  we  crossed  the  river  at  Kelly's  and 
rds,  moving  up  on  the  Elktown  road,* wjth  Generals 
Stuart,  Hampton,  and  the  two  Lees  nt  our  head— which  betokened 
some  triok  of  more  than  ordinary  import— with  the  brigade  of 
each  stretching  along  the  narrow  road  a  considerable  disti 
hind.  We  passed  through  Elktown,  and  pent 
dar  river  without  any  interruption,  when,  alter  dark,  the  command 


BOfORBB    KROM 

• 

:u<]  bivouacked  on  this  Bide  of  the  river,  below  Brents- 
villc  :  when  oexl  mornii  ring  at   Bow* 

in. in'.-  ford,  It  I  entsville  to  the  lefl  ;  thei  tin, 

in. -veil  on  in  tli«-  direction  of  Occoquan  ;  ami  when  within  eight 
latter  pi        G  3tuarl  detached  the  brig  i  lea  of 

tin-  two  I.  i  •  ■  Hi'-  right, and  moved  down  upon  Dumfries. 

where  some  recent  cam  pi  of  the  enemy  had  been  established  aince 

ipton'u   1  le  iving    Hampton  with   his 

brigade  to  move  on  Occoquan,  where  a  body  of  the  enemy's  cav- 
alry were  posted,  and  attack  the  two  places  simultaneously.  One 
column,  after  movihg  on  a  short  distance,  the  advance  met  a  -mill 
body  "i  Van,.  Irv,  ami.  after  an  exciting  chase,  captured  the 

whole  party  :  then  m  >ved  np  to  within  three  mile-  of  Occoquafl, 
and  halted.  9oon  the  booming  of  cannon  from  the  right  ajave  ua 
notice  that  Stuart  was  at  work  on  Ins  point.   The  command  moved 

dlyon,  and  when  within  about  a  mile  of  our  point,  the 'enemy's 

ir\  lint  the  advance,  ami  after  a  few  -harp  'Ticks  thev  broke 
and  lied,  the  whole  column  in  full  pursuit  after  them,  chasing  them 
through  Occoquan,  killing,  wounding,  and  capturing  twenty-five, 
and  driving  the  other-  aero--  the  river  :  some  breaking  down  the 
river  in  the  direction  «['  Dumfries.  We  captured  a  train  ol  twenty 
ms,  mules,  and  a  good   lof  of  sutlers'  stores,  which  proved  a 

we|< H'  prey  to  u-.     We  will  relate  a  little  experience  with  tie 

unfortunate  vtctii 
Tin-  first  wa-  a  short,  ehnll'y.  black,  lager-beer  Dutchman,  toiling 

with  a  heavy  laden    tWO-horSti  Vehicle,  JU8<    turning  OUt  of  the  road 

ke  up  camp.  Our  advance  dashed  up,  and  hailed  him  to  sur- 
render. The  astounded  driver,  dropping' his  reins,  with  In 
einnit  over  his  roini  I  features,  and  with  a  despairing  look, 
iimed:  •'  Veil.  veil,  de  rebels  ish  got  me.  Got  tam  sich  a 
peoples.  \'ot  for  ish  oar  srmy  vort,  any  how.  if  dey  can'i  keep 
van  tam  leetle  pit  ov  rebel  hosse  off  vol  lee  tie  guds  a  body  ish  £ot 
in  de  behind  here  ;  vy,  dey  ami  vort  vim  copper  zent,  to  let  yon 
leetle  pit  nv  men  vip  ten  off,  and  cum  vay  pack  here  and  take  our 
leotle  tinga  from  us  tish  vay."  With  a  deeper  gHn  <>l  despondency, 
he  continued:  "Every  ting  1  ish  got,  der' it  goes.  Veil,"  extend- 
ing his  hand-,  with  open  digits,  ■<]<>.?  is  vive  fingers  On  da!  hand, 
and  vive  on  dish,  and   I  iflfa    join'  to  home    and    go    to  vork  vid  tem 

hand-,  and  vot   I  letle    I  I  ly  der  mit  it  de  rest  of  mine 

..    I  vill  risk  viju  cent  in  tish  tam  concern  vuu  time  more  ; 


Hampton's  cavalry.  65 

if  old  Sho  Hooker  would  give  his  poud  agist  de  rebels,  and  old 
Lincklion  to  poot."  Three  other  vehicles  with  their  rolling  stock 
had  halted  behind.  From  the  foremost,  an  Irishman,  the  driVer 
leaving  his  boss,  a  merchant-like  personage  sitting  on  the  box,  was 
accosted  by  one  of  our  officers  riding  up:  J' Well,  Pat,  I  am  glad 
to  see  you.'*  "  An'  sure  ye  've  missed  it  ;  its  Mike  this  time.  An' 
faith,  captin,  ye 've  a  right  to  bay  glad,  since  I've  brought  so 
nicely  intu  yer  hands  three  sich  loads  as  those."  "Have  you  any 
boots?"  he  impatiently  asked.  "Ah,  anJ  plase  yer  honor,  a  fine  lot, 
(  but  as  yer  foot  is  kinder  like  me  own.  it  'a  outgrown  the. rest  of  yer 
body,  (the  foot  of  the  interrogator  being  greatly  disproportionate,) 
I  doubt  ye  could  be  fitted  out  o'  this  lot ;  but  if  ye  '11  say  so,  I  '11 
take  yer  measure  now.  an'  have  ye  a  pair  made  to  orcTer,  an'  whin 
ye  come  agin,  I  '11  deliver  them.  Ye  've  dun  so  well  this  time» 
ye  '11  be  afther  prowlin1  around  here  agin  :  and  as  we  've  disposed 
uv  the  stock  so  easily  this  time,  we  '11  be  afther  drivin'  to  the  same 
market  agin." 

The  wagons  were  hurried  off,  amid  the  dolorous  sighs  of  the 
ruined  sutlers — Mike  lively  cracking  his  whip  and  jesting  to  the 
contrary. 

The  command  held  this  place  till  ten  o'clock  in  the  night,  and 
then  retired  about  eiijht  miles  back  on  the  road  we  came,  where 
ire  joined  the  other  brigades,  who  in  the  meantime  had  made  a 
successful  descent  upon  Dumfries,  killing  and  capturing  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  of  the  enemy,  charging  arid  driving  them  irom  their 
first  line  of  camps,  which  were  held  and  destroyed,  and  cannonad- 
ing a  Large  body  of  infantry  for  two  hours,  bringing  off  forty  army 
and  autlei  -'  wagons,  with  only  the  loss  of'six  killed  and  wounded. 
",  at  a  late  hour  in  the  night,  the  command  baited  and  rested 
till  morning.  In  the  morning  it  was  asci  rtained  that  a  large  force 
of  the  enemy's  cavalry  was  punning  us.  General  Stuart  wheeled 
the  column,  and  led  it  back  to  meet  them;  and  after  advancing 
about  three  miles,  met  their  advance.  The  enemy,  anticipating 
our  movements,  had  drawn  up  three  brigades* in  line  acrot 
tensive  old  field,  fronting  the  road,  approached  by  a  steep  hill,  the 
up  this  hill  through  a  deep  cut.  General  Stnart,  with 
the  first  Virginia  cavalry  (his  old  regiment)  in  advance,  with  the 
other  ("Junius  in  Buppooting  distance.    The  enemy's  was 

charged  and  dm  _rht  forward  in,  andjual  as  the  end  of  the 

cut  was  reached,  General  Stuart  gave   t  lie  command,   "At  them, 
9 


56  BKBTi 

LVO  it  to  them  in  t&  '.'"     And  at  it,  with  that 

i-h  yell,  shower 

ii    bail,  the   pallai       V     jinians   dashed — clash   went    their 

delving  into  the  enemy's   r  oke  they  plunged.    The  first 

[when  their  front  line  broke.     Plying 

the  onset  with  ad  >port   also  Lrave  wuf,  and  tin* 

contusion  be  !  wild  flight  :  their  il; 

columns    glutting    the   road — parties    indiscriminately   breaking 

through  1  field  —  the  continual  pop  of  our  pistols  and  clash 

•ir   Babr< — pinning   the   hindmosl    up — blockading   the  road 

with  horse  and  rider— <  p  marking  the  road  with  a  bleed' 

body. 

This   exciting  chase  was   thus  kept  up  tor  two  miles,  driving 

them  on  through   their  camps,  below  Occoquan  city,  and   never 

stopped  till  within  tin'  lirj  I  trge  body  of  infantry,  who  v. 

moving  up. from  Dumfries,  and  after  entertaining   this  body  with 

ial  rounds  of  shell,  tin-  command  withdrew.  ha\  ing  killed  and 

wounded    two  hundred,  with   tie-   1   -  of  only  Bixteen  killed  and 

wounded.     I  0    >oquan  river,  and  proceeded   to  Burke 

tion,  on   the  ()  a  railroad,  capturing  the  tel- 

■pb  and  operator,  and    some    supplies.     Sere    General    Stuart 

oramunication  with  old    Abe,  and  elicited  set. 

lul    responses;   when  he  concluded  by  remonstrating   with   him 

Qg   the   interior  qualities  of  his  nudes,  in   the  following 

B8IDEHT  Lincoln:   The  last  draw  of  wagons  1  Vejusl  made 
d.  hut   the  mules  are  inferior  Btock,  scarcely  able  to 
haul  off  the   empty  wagons;  and  if  you  expeel    me  to  give  your 
lines  any  further  attention    in  this  quarter,  you  should   furnish  bet- 
I     i   had  to  born  I  valuable  wagons  before 

them  in  my  li  J.  B.  1'..  STUART." 

•\.  1. 

I1    troying  the  telegraph  and  obstructing  the  railroad,  moved 

on  all  nighi  in  tip'  direction  of  Fairfax,  hut  finding  a  strong   force. 
ha«l  been  concentrated  at  that  point,  passed  immediately  around  it, 

Ifng  their  force-  who  were  on  tin-  m&ve  to  intercept  us,  and 
bore  round  up  to  Vienna,  and  sw.pt  on  round  the  enemy  without 
any  interruption  duriug  the  day ;  crossed  Bull  Run  and  bivouacked 


Hampton's  cavalry.  67 

near  Gainesville;  thence  through  Warrenton,  where  a  body  of 
Yankee  cavalry  came  across  to  intercept  us,  but  the  ubiquitous 
Black  Horse  alone  met  and  dispersed  them  ;  re-crossed  the  Rappa- 
hnanock  at  Warrenton  Springs,  and  proceeded  leisurely  to  camp, 
and  reached  it  on  the  31st.  In  this  raid  General  Stuart  doubtless 
carried  out  his  most  cherished  plans,  capturing  three  hundred  pris- 
oners, besides  killing  and  wounding  at  least  one  hundred,  securing 
and  carrying  off  a  large  quantity  of  valuable  property,  and  inflict- 
ing serious  damage  upon  the  enemy  in  destroying  his  camps  an  1 
supplies.  In  the  meantime  the  enemy's  cavalry  attempted  a  raid 
on  our  rear,  proceeded  to  the  Rappahannock,  crossed  at  Kelly's 
Ford,  overpowering  the  small  picket  force,  and  was  proceeding  in 
§the  direction  of  our  camps.  But  General  Stuart  had  left  Colonel 
Baker,  with  part  of  Hampton's  command,  for  such  an  emergency: 
who  gallantly  met  them,  and  by  skillful  manceuvering  of  the  small 
force  he  had  under  him,  he  drove  them  back  across  the  river, 
severely  chastising  them  in  their  retreat.  Their  force  outnum- 
bered ours  five  to  one,  but  the  promptness  of  this  gallant  officer  in 
having  his  small  fiorce  at  the  right- place  and  at  the  right  time 
saved  us  from  an  untold  disaster. 

Thus  ends  ourcrude  and  imperfect  sketches  of  the  humble  part 
we  have  borne  in  the  summer,  fall,  and  winter  campaigns  of  1862. 
And  to-night  as  we  lay  down  our  pen,  the  chilling  wintry  winds 
chant  a  sad  requiem  of  the  parting  year  that  has  entombed  so  many 
fond*  hopes.  We  hear  the  lone  step  of  the  sentinel  on  his  weary* 
round,  as  his  steady  tread  rustles  over  the  incrusted,  frozen 
ground;  he  breathes  in  silence  against  the  cutting  blasts,  and  fond 
memory  carries  him  back  to  the  once  happy  scenes  of  peaceful 
association. 

"  His  musket  falls  plack,  his  face  dark  and  grim, 
ntle  wjtli  memories  dear." 

His  reveries  break,  and  his  heart  litters  a  silent  prayer  lor  peace. 
Ah  !  how  many  hearts  it  this  momenl  are  anxiously  throbbing  for 
that  much  coveted  blessing.  Yet  boar  up,  God  in  his  own  good 
time  will  deliver  us,  ami  amid  the  dark,  frowning  clouds  of  war  a 
full  gleam  of  hope  peera  through  the  gloom,  I  from  a  just 

and  holy  .-an-",  still  en  souraging  u    t"  strike. 

Stri!, 

Strike — i-  ye  have  struck,  once  more 
Determined  to  be  f; 


68  sk 

'I  iay  run  through  anotl 

of  Buffering,  and    the 

•  ig  purer  the  met  J.     And  when  the  long  pent 

•  \  ill  shine  the  brighter  ;  amd 

s  to  sit  do\yn  under  the  green   tree  of  peace,  the 

holier  will  1  i  ell.     Y<  pure  impulse  of  the  heart — 

y  ln.lv  emotion  of  the  bouI — ami  every  fond  hope  of  the  future 

i  strike  on  with  redoubled  blows, 

'■  f  :  our  sires! 


itlvc  land! " 


CHAPTEK    I  X . 
l.vi:  IS  TO  the  SIMUN-;   campaign  OP    1863. 

We  shall  now  attempt  a  continuation  of  the  line  of  events 
through  which  our  command  lias  passed  in  the  eventful  campaign 
of  1863.  We  propose  to  trace  a  faithful  narrative  of  the  move* 
menta  where  we  were  engaged  separately,  or  in  conjunction  with 
tli--  whole  or  part  of  the  army.  The  many  gallant  dashes,  uard 
fought  fights,  and  brilliant  successes  that  have  characterized  the 
igementa  of  thi>  branch  of  the  troops,  will  lend  a  thrilling  in- 
terest to  our  «history  when  the  Impartial  historian  Bets  forth  all  the 
facts  of  this  war  to  posterity  ;  ami  the  daring  ami  brilliant  achieve- 
ments of  our  gallanj  Stuart  ami  bis  subordinates,  Hampton  and  the 
I  i  oourled   by   a   brave  ami   indefatigable   Boldiery,  to   Bay 

nothing  of  their  cavalier  compeers  of  the  West,  will  add  lustre  to 
the  military  renown  ol  the  grand  achievements'  of  the  other  nohle 
arm-  ol   the  - 

The  dose  of  the  campaign  of  1862  left  us  in  mid-winter  on  out" 
post  duty  on  the  upper  lines  of  the  Rappahannock.  Our  camps 
lay  1-aek  on  the  hills  in  the  vicinity  of  Stevensburg.    The  severe 

winter    privations   around    this  old   dingy  hamlet  wilL  long   be    re. 

membered  by  Hampton's  men  as  anything  but  an  oasis  in  life's 
desert.      Rain,  rain,  sleel  .v,  alternately,  seemed  to 


HAMPTON'S   CAVALRY.  -  69 

be  the  unrelenting  programme  of  old  Hiems'  majesty.  Deeming 
this  a  permanent  location  for  the  rest  of  the  winter,  the  busy  clang 
of  the  axe  gave  token  that  va^t  improvements  were  under  way  ; 
and  in  a  lew  days  rudely  constructed  shelters  of  every  conceivable 
description  dotted  the  camps  ;  and,  from  the  different  modes  of 
construction,  one  would  have  supposed  that  the  confused  builders 
of  Babel's  tower  had  taken  the  contract.  Variegated  modes  of  ar- 
chitecture could  be  seen,  to  suit  the  energy  and  convenience  of  the 
builder  ;  the  regular  conical  Indian  wigwam,  covered  with  earth  ; 
a  few  poles  braced  up  at  three  sides,  covered  with  a  tent  fly  ;  and 
the  regular  woodman's  cabin,  with  the  crib  chimney  topped  off 
with  a  barrel,  puffing  its  fumes  haughtily  up  in  the  air.  What 
joyous  comforts  in  fruition,  as  well  as  in  anticipation,  as  these  camp 
denizens  would  see  the  long,  taggy  icicles  hanging  from  the  rude 
roofs,  or  sit  around  the  sparkling,  cheerful  fires,  and  hear  the  Bleet 
rattling  on  the  boards  overhead,  and  in  these  cozy  comforts  exclaim, 
"Let  the  storm  howl  ou."    ' 

The  usual  routine  of  camp'  duty  was  interrupted  only  once  or 
twice  by  the  enemy  appearing  in  front  of  our  lines  across  the  Rap- 
pahannock, and  sending  at  long  range  a  few  shells  over,  which 
would  be  duly  responded  to  by  Captain  Hart's  battery,  with  no 
other  seeming  purpose  than  to  remind  us  that  the  doors  of  Janus 
were  not  opened  ;  while  we  in  turn  would  remind,  them  of  the 
same  idea  by  the  active  enterprise  of  our  indefatigable  scouts, 
who,  notwithstanding  the  severity  of  the  weather,  were  contin- 
ually penetrating  their  lines,  carrying  off  batdj  after  batch  of  pris- 
oners. In  one  instance  Lieutenant  R.  C.  Shiver,  a  cool  and  daring 
-young  officer,  of  the  Second  South  Carolina  cavalry,  with  a  few 
nun,  crossed  the  Rappahannojk  in  a  boat,  and  surprised  and  cap- 
tured a  number  of  prisoners.  This  young  officer  made  several 
lucceasful  raids,  killing  and  capturing  a  number"  of  the  enemy. 

The  first   Bnow  storm  that  had  christened  our  winter  quarter! 

had  scarcely  incited  away,  when  an  unmerciful  order  came,  precip- 

ain  out  ot   door8.     The   darling  comforts  of  our  rude 

ides,  and  t]i<-  little  domicHe  Maociationa  that  had  just  begun  to 

entle  one's  nature,  were  reluctantly  left  behind.    With  bag  and 

now  in  the  middle  of  February,  the  brigad  I  ou4  for 

lome  point  unknown.     Striking  in  a  westwardly  din  I  bi- 

von:,  i.  d  tlf  first  night  on  tie-  historic  Blopea  of  (\  dar  Mountain. 

Tie-  last   raw  of  the  3etting  sun  played  lingeringly  upon  the  old 


KERCH] 

I.    The  lay  profusely  around. 

ell ;  a  rusty  bayonet  here  and  there,  and 

:id   crushed   timber  on   the   western 

marked  tin-  furious  tracks  of  the  -  ,     A  sad  int. 

••  dmvn  in  the  valley.     Near  by  the  little  run  that  takes  its 

•  'in  tin-  mountain,  tin-  npfa  jta  on  the  bosoms  of 

our  fallen  patriots  of  tin.-  well  fought  field /resting  quietly  in  one 

Lik**  trui 

p  liard  hv  \\hi-r<-  they  All, 
Striking  DOblj 

Kor  the  homes  they  lov'd  go  well. 

• 

Our  bivouac  urea,  as  we  enaconsed  under  our  blankets,  were 
ted  with   a  calm,  clear  sky.   betokening  an   opportune  occa- 
sion lor  .  iny-side  calculations  were  sadly 
doomed  to  disappointment,  as  on  ti,.'  ensuing  morning,  raiting  our 
blankets  from  round  our  heads,  the  accumulating  snow  Hakes  came 
avalanching  down  around   the   bare   neck.     Looking  out   on   the 
the  snow  already  several  inches  deep  and  still 
falling  thick  and   fast,  nothing   told  that  a   bivouac  ever  rested 
there,  save  the  trembling  horse-  thai  stood  up  to  their  knees  iu 
snow;  while               aiscuons  groups  of  sleepers  thai  lay  along  the 
of  encampment  -till  slept,  insensible  of  the  warring  elemental 
beneath  the  -now  mounds  that  had  accumulated  over  each,  which 
presented  the  appearance  (if  one  vast   bprying  ground,  resting 
Bnugly   from   the   storm  without.     How  suggestive  of  that    long 
P  that  has  but  one  awakening.    The  similitude  goes  further : 
the  morning  bugle  trumps  them  from  their  couches,  breaking 
the  smooth  surface,  they  pome  forth  from  their  snowy  graves  like 
apparitions  rising  from  the  earth,  which  was  indeed  a  picture  for 

the  pencil  of  an  artist.      IJut  the  BCene  assumed  more  of  a  real  oast 

tot!  we  mounted  and  moved  forward  amid  the  cutting 

blasts,  through  ice,  snow,  and  mud,  on  the  miserable  roads  of  the 

Imoni  region,  which  reminded  one  of  the  roads  Sam  Slick  trav- 
eled over  iii   I  '.here  the  bottom  had  fallen  out.     Our  OOU 
had  turned  southward,  and  the  move  was  no  longer  a  military 

,i  the  command  was  despatched  to  the  lower  counties  on  the 
important  mission  of  recruiting,  which  proved  to  be  rather  a 
strange  commentary  on  recruiting  stock,  which  is  rather  better 
expressed  by  Bill  A.rp  on  tie  Bubjec^;  we  went  from  one 


Hampton's  cavalry.  71 


point  to  another,  "whippaty  whoppaty,  flippaty  Jloppaty,  riding 
around  over  the  land,"  and  after  wandering"  over  several  of  the 
lower  counties  of  Virginia,  the  command  was  ordered  back,  aqd  re- 
ported for  duty  about  the  last  of  May,  and  was  assigned  our  origi- 
nal position  on  the  outpost,  which  General  Fitz.  Lee  had  held  in 
our  absence,  on  which  in  the  meantime  at  Kelly's  Ford,  on  the 
17th  of  March,  the  enemy  crossed,  and  attacked  and  captured  the 
small  picket  force  ;  they  were  met  by  only  a  portion  of  Fitz.  Lee's 
brigade  and  a  buttery  of  Stuart's  horse  artillery,  with  General 
Stuart  in  command.  Pleasanton's  whole  cavalry  division  had 
crossed  and  was  advancing,  when  a  most  severe  and  obstinate 
fight  ensued  ;  and  after  the  most  skillful  manamv.ering  and  hard 
fighting  against  overwhelming  odds,  the  enemy  by  night  was 
badly  crippled  that  he  retired  from  the  field,  and  fell  back  across 
the  river,  having  suffered  a  heavy  loss  in  killed  and  wounded.  Our 
loss  was  also  severe.    Among  the  killed  were  some  of  our  best  and 

most  promising  officers — Major  Puller,  of  Virginia  ; Harris,  of 

,  and  Major  John  Pelham,  of  Alabama,  chief  of  Stuart's  horse 

artillery.  The  latter  had  won  for  himself  the  reputation  of  being 
one  of  the  most  skillful  and  successful  young  officers  of  the  army, 
of  whom  the  immortal  Jackson,  on  the  occasion  of  the  battle  of 
Fredericksburg,  awarded  the  extreme  compliment,  "That  with  a 
Pelham  on  each  flank,  I  could  vanquish  the  world."  and  to  whose 
memory  we  will  take  the  liberty  to  submit  the  eloquent  drippings 
from  the  pen  of  another.  » 


CHAPTER    X. 


Tin:   GALLANT   PELHAM; 


(in  the  morning  of  the  17th  of  March,  A.verill'a  Federal  cavalry, 
three  thousand  in  the  saddle,  crossed  the  Rappahannock  at  Kelly's 
Foid.  and  attacked  about  eight  hundred        G  ! 

command,  who  faced,  without  shrinking  from  the*  Ids,  and 

fought  them  stubbornly  at  every  point  throughout  the  entire  day. 


9    FROM 

ie   bud,  on   that   tranquil   ev<  nking  slowly 

bind  the  <\w  nnstirred  by  the  least  breath  of  wind. 

facided,  the  enemy  retiring' 

idly  hurt  :*'  and  Gent  ral  Stnarl  added  in  hi>  despatch',  M  We 

r  him.    II  I  men  andftoi  ■  the  roads."    No  harder 

battle  has  been  foughl  daring  the  entire  war,  and  never  have  the 
i  back  in         ter  i  n  before  Southern  steel  than 

here.  Our  heroes  won  the  day  by  bard  and  desperate  fighting,  in 
charge*  after  charge;  but  lost  in  the  struggle  some  of  .the  most  val- 
iant hearts  that  ever  beat.  Puller.  Harrisand  Pel  ham  were  among 
the  number — the  "gallanl  Pelham"  of  the  battle  of  Fredericks- 
burg. Be  was  in  the  performance  of  his  duty  a-  Chief  of  Artil- 
lery, and  was  riding  towards  bis  General  i  ment  of  cavalry 

pi  by  him  in  the  charge.  He  was  waving  his  hat  aloft  and 
cheering  them  bn,  when  a  ball  from  a  carbine  struck  him  on  the 

I,  mortally  wounding  him.     He  lingered  till  after  midnight  on 

the  morning  of  the  18th,  when  G<  i  eral  Stuart  telegraphed  to  Mr. 

I  Manama  :  ••The  noble,  the  chivalric,  the  gallant  Pelham 

:  he  was  killed  in  action  yesterday.     His  remains  will 

1  - <   -.iit  to  yon  to-day.     How  much  he  was  beloved,  appreciated, 

ami  admired    lei  -  n\  we  hi  i.  and  the  gl p 

oi  mourning  thmu-Jioul   my  command  bear  witness.     His 
irreparable."    The  body  oi' the  young  officer  was  sent  to  Rich- 
mond, laid  in  state  in  the  capital  of  Virginia,  and  we  are  told, 

me  tendi  r  hand  deposited  the  evergreen  wreaths,  entwined  with 
white  flowers,  upon  the  case  thai  contained  all  thai  was  mortal  of 
the  fallen  hero."  His  family  received  the  soldier's  remains,  they 
were  taken  to  his  southern  home  ;  Virginia,  the  held  of  his  fame, 
had  surrendered  him  t<>  Alabama,  the  land  of  his  birth. 

The  following  is  the  General  Order  issued  by  General  Stuart  on 
the  occasion  : 

Hfii-DQi  ■  RTBRfl  CAVALRY   Division-, 
Ap.my  of  Northern  Virginia,  March  21, 1863. 
GBNBB  \h  ORDERS  No.  9.     . 

The  Major  General   Commanding  approaches,  with  reluctance! 
the  painful  duty  of  announcing  to  the  Division  its  irreparable 
in  the    death  of  Major  John   lYlham.  commanding    the    Horse  Ar- 
tillery. 


Hampton's  cavalry.  73 

He  fell  mortally  wounded  in  the  battle  of  Kellysville  (March 
16th),  with  the  battle-cry  on  his  lips,  and  the  light  of  victory 
beaming  in  his  eye* 

To  you,  his  comrades,  it  is  needless  to  dwell  upon  what  yoit  have 
so  often  witnessed,  his  prowess  in  act  inn.  already  proverbial.  You 
well  know  how,  though  young  in  years— -e  mere  stripling  in  ap- 
pearance— remarkable  for  his  genuine  modesty  of  deportment,  he 
yet  disclosed  on  the  battle-field  the  conduct  of  a  veteran,  and  dis- 
played in  his  handsome  person  the  most  imperturbable  coolness  in 
danger.  His  eye  had  glanced  over  every  battle-field  of  this  army, 
from  the  first  Manassas  to  the  moment  of  his  death,  and  was,  with 
a  single  exception,  a  brilliant  actor  in  all.  The  memory  of  "  the 
gallant  Pelham,"  his  many  virtues,  his  noble  nature,  and  purity  of 
character,  is  enshrined  as  a  sacred  legacy  in  the  hearts  of  all  who 
knew  him.  His  record  has  been  bright  and  spotless,  his  career 
brilliant  and  successful.  He  fell  the  noblest  sacrifice  on  the  altar 
of  his  country,  to  whose  Lrlorious  service  he  had  dedicated  his  life 
from  the  beginning  of  the  war. 

In  token  of  respect  for  his  cherished  memory,  the  horse  artillery 
and  division  staff  will  wear  the  military  badge  of  mourning  for 
thirty  days;  and  the  senior  officer  of  staff,  Major  Von  Borcke,  will 
place  his  remains  in  the  possession  of  his  bereaved  family,  to  whom 
is  tendered  in  behalf  of  the  division  the  assurance  of  heartfelt 
sympathy  in  their  deep  tribnlation.  In  mourning  his  departure 
from  his  accustomed  post  of  honor  on  the  field,  let  us  strive  to  imi- 
tate his  virtues,  and  trust  that  what  is  loss  to  us,  may  be  more  than 
gain  to  him. 

By  command  of  Major  General  J.  E.  B.  Stuart. 

R.  CHANNING  PRICE,  Major  and,  A.  A.  G. 

*  • 

Thus  passed  away  a  noble,  lofty  soul — thus  ended  a  career,  brief 
it  is  true,  but  amongthe  most  arduous,  glorious,  and  splendid  which 
the  history  of  this  war  contains.  Young,  but  immortal  ;  a  boy  in 
l,  but  heir  to  undying  lame,  he  was  called  away  from  the  scene 
of  his  triumphs  and  glory  to  a  brighter  world,  where  neither  \^irs 
nor  run. '•:>  of  wars  can  nunc,  and  wouuds,  and  pains,  and  suffering 
are  unknown,  where 

"  Iftalii  e  domestic,  foreign  lei  y,  nothing 
Can  touch  him  further." 

10 


T  I 

* 

th  of  this  noble  youth  has 

I        i  cast  a  Bhadow  on  the  very 

n\\  colder  and  more  dreary 

unit  away,     It  vvaa  hut  yesterday  almost  that  he  was  in 

tent,  and   I   look  bu  frank,  hi  9,  and  heard  his 

kind,  honest  voice.   There  ia  the  w  at  he  occnpied  a>  we  conversed, 

;  cohere  hi  lept  with  me,  prolonging  his  gay  talk  deep 

into  the  night  ;  there  are  the  lie  read,  the  papers  which  tie 

wrote  :  at   this  table  he  once  sat.  and  here  where  my  own  hand 

the  hand  of  the  dead,     Every  object  thus  recalls 

him  -  be  lived  and  moved  be*   le  me  but  u  few  d 

his  very  woi  still  eel  the  air,  and  the  dreary  gamp 

is  lull  ot  mce.  « 

\    •  am   I   the  only  one  whose  be  ir!   has  bled   lor  the  youn 
dier.     MXi  who.  knew  him  loved  him  for  his  gay,  sweet  temper 
they  admired  him -for  his  unshrinking  courage.     I  have  seen  no 

rer  which  8>  sort  of  a  shadow  did  not  pass  at  the  annou 
ment,  "  Pelham  is  dead." 

only  another  mode  oC  say  it.--     "  Honor  is   dead  :   Courage  is 

d«-ad:  1  kindness,  courtesy,  the  inborn  spirit  of  the  true 

tleraan,  the  nerve  ol  the  soldier,  the  gaiety  of 

mpanion,  the  kindly  In-art.  and    the  resolute  soul— all  «i 

and  never  more  to  revisit  us  in  pe 

'l'h.-.-  words  are  not  dictated  by  a  blind  partiality,  or  mere  per- 
il regard  tor  the  brave  youth  who  has  fallen  in  front  of  the  foe 
in  defence  <>t  the  Bacred  liberties  of  the  South.  .  of  his  matchless 
unshrinking]  I  utter  coolness  in  the  hour  of  dead- 

liest peril,  let  the  name  of  "  the  gallant  Pelham,"  given  by  General 
I  lericksbnrg,  hear  witness.     Of  his  noble,  truthful  na- 

ture, th08e  who  knew  him  hot  will  -peak.  He  had  made  for  hiln- 
04  It  ',  in, mortal    name."    at)  !  he  was  only  I  w  eiity-foiir  when 

lie  di( 

\  •■  of  Alabama,  and  descepded  from  an  old 

and  honorable  familj  there,  he  had  more  than  the  courage  of  his 
pact  and  clime.  He  chose  anna  a-  hi-  profession,  and  entered  \W-t 
Point,. where  he  graduated  just  as  the  war  commenced.     He  lost 

no  time  in  oilerin-  hi-  services  t . .  the  South,  and    received   the   ap- 

pointment  ol    1st  I.    utenant  in  the  Confederate  States  Army  ;  pro-( 
ling  I  'l!  y,  when  General  Johnston  was  in  command 

there,  le  id  to  duty  as  drill-officer  of  artillery,  and  in 


Hampton's  cavalry.  7."> 

the  battle  of  Manassas  commanded  a  battery,  which  he  fought 
with  that  daring  and  obstinate  courage  which  afterwards  rendered 
him  so  famous.  He  speedil}7  attracted  the  highest  Generals  of  the 
army,  and  General  J.  E.  B.  Stuart  entrusted  him  with  the  organi- 
zation.of  the  battalion  of  horse  artillery,  which  he  subsequently 
commanded  in  nearly  every  battle  of  the  war  upon  Virginia  soil. 
Here  I  know  him  first. 

,  From  the  moment  he  took  command  of  that  famous  corps  a  new 
system  of  artillery  fighting  seemed  to  be  inaugurated.  The  rapid 
ity.  the  rush,  the  impetus  of  the  cavalry  were  grafted  on  ils  m 
deliberate  brother.  Not  once,  but  repeatedly,  has  the  horse  artil- 
lery of  Pelbam  given  chase  at  lull  speed  to  a  flying  enemy  :  and 
far  in  advance  of  all  infantry  supports,  unliinbered  and  hurled  its 
thunders  on  the  foe.  It  was  ever  at  the  point  where  the  line  was 
Weakest  ;  and  however  headlong  the  charge  of  the  cavalry,  the 
whirling  guns  were  beside  it,  all  ready  for  their  part.  ''Trot 
march'*  had  yielded  to  "gallop"  with  the  battalion  ;  it  was  brought 
into  position  and  put  into  action  with  a  rush  ;  and  in  and  out 
among  the  guns  where  the  .bolts  fell  thickest  was  the  brave  young 
artillerist  ;  cool  and  self  possessed,  but  as  one?  of  the  officers  sai(] 
the  other  day,  "as  gay  as  a  school-boy  at  a  frolic."  He  loved  his 
profession  ior  its  own  sake  purely,  and  often  spoke  to'the  officers 
above  alluded  to  of  the  "jolly  good  fights", he  would  have  in  the 
present  campaign.     But  I  anticipate  my  subject. 

Once  associated  with  the  command  of  General  Stuart,  he  secured 
the  warm  regard  and  unlimited  confidence  of  that  General,  who 
employed  his  services  upon  every  occasion.  Thenceforth  their  for"1 
tunes  seemed  united  like  their  hearts,  and  the  name  of  the  young 
man  became  noised  abroad  as  one  of  the  moat  despdPate  Bghtera  of 
the  whole  army.  He  was  rightly  regarded  by  General  Jackson 
and  others  as  possessed  of  a  very  extraordinary  genius  for  artil- 
lery, and  when  any  movement  ofunusual  important  ied, 
Pelbam  jned  to  the  artillery  to  be  employed,  lb-  ca 
was  a  bri<t  one.  but  how  glorious!  How  crowded  with  great 
ts  that  arc  history  now.     Let  ue  glance  al  it. 

When  oar  forces  fell  bark  from  Manassas  in  1861,  his  batteries 
bad  their  part  in  covering  the  movement^  guarding  the  ford 
the  Rappahannock.     Daring  the  campaign  of  tb<    Peniusuls  his 
Blakely  was  .  iexl  tie  and  at  tie   battle 

of  ^  and  ^kill  transform*  d  raw  militia  into 


SKETCHES   FBI 

-.     In  th  lays'  battles    iround  Richmond  he  won 

laurels.  With  one  Napoleon  he  engaged  three  heavy  bat- 
1  fought  them  with  a  pertinacity  and  unfaltering  nerve 
which  made  the  calm  face  of  Jackson  glow;  the  pressure  of  that. 
heroic  band,  warm  and  eloquent  of  unspoken  admiration.  Soon  af- 
terwards al  the  White  Bouse  he  id  a  gunboat,  and  driving 
it  away  after  a  brief  but  hoi  encounter,  proved  how  fanciful  were 
the  terrors  of  these  "  monsters/'  as  they  were  then  called.  After 
that  work  in  the  Peninsula  the  young  man  was  famous. 
His  .greatest   achievements   were   to   come,  however^   and   he 

1  to  record  them  on  the  enduring  tablets  of  history.  From 
the  moment  when  his  artillery  advanced  from  the  Rappahannock 
to  the  time  when  it  returned  thither,  to  the  day  of  Fredericksburg, 
the  path  of  theyoung  leader  was  deluged  with  the  blood  of  battle. 
At  Manassas  lie  rushed  his  guns'into  the  very  columns  of  the 
enemy  almost,  fighting  their  sharp-hooters  with  canister,  amid  a 
hurricane  of  balls.  At  Sharpeburg  he  had  command  of  nearly  all 
the  artillery  on  our  leit,  and  directed  it  w'ith  the  hand  of  the  mas- 
ter. When  the  arm)-  crossed  back  into  Virginia,  he  was  posted  at 
Shepherdstown,  and  guarded  the  ford  with  an  obstinate  valor, 
which  spoke  in  the  regular  and  unceasing  reverberation  of  his 
deep-mouthed  Napoleons,  as  'they  roared  on  hour  after  hour,  driv- 
ing  bark   the  elieinv. 

01'  the  days  that  succeeded  that  exciting  period  many  persons 
will  Ion--  hold  the  memory.  It  was  in  an  honest  old  country  house, 
whither  the  tide  of  war  bore  him  for  a  time,  that  the  gay,  Doble 
nature  of  the  young  soldier  shone  forth  in  all  its  charms.  There 
in  the  old  hall  on  the  banks  of  the  Opequon,  surrounded  by  warm 
hearts  who  reminded  him.  perhaps,  of  his  own  beloved  ones  in  far 
Alabama]  there  in  the  tranquil  days  of  autumn,  in  Chat  beautiful 
country,  he  seemed  to  pass  some  ,,i  his  happiest  hours.  All  were 
charmed  with  his  kind  temper-,  and  his  sunny  disposition,  with  his 
refinement,  his  courtesy,  his  high  breeding  and  simplicity.  Modest' 
to  a  fault  almost — blushing  like  a  --ill  at  times — and  wholly  unas- 
suming in  his  entire  deportment,  he  became  a  favorite  to  all 
around  him,  ami  Becured  that  regard  of  good  men  and  women 
which  is  the  proof  of  high  traits  and  line  instincts  in  its  possessor. 
In  the  beautiful  autumn  forests,  by  the  stream  with  its  great  syca- 
mores, and  under  the  tall  oaks  of  the  laWn.  he  thus  wandered  for  a 
time  from  his  own   land  of  Alabama,  admired   and    cherished  by 


Hampton's  cavalry.  77 

warm  hearts.in  this.  When  he  left  the  haunts  of  the  old  bower,  I 
think  he  regretted  it.     But  work  called  him. 

The  fiat  had  gone  forth  from  the-  imperial  closet  at  Washington 
that  another  ''On  to  Richmond  "  should  bo  attempted,  and  where 
the  vultures  of  war  hovered,  there  whs  the  post  of  duty  for  his 
horse  artillery.  The  cavalry  crossed  the  Blue  Ridge,  and  met  the 
advancing  column  at^AJdie,  and  Pelham  was  again  in  his  element, 
hurling  destruction  into  the  ranks  of  General  Bayard.  Henceforth, 
until  the  banks  of  the  Rappahannock  were  reached  by  the  cavalry, 
falling  back  in  order,  as  was  designed,  from  that  instant  the  batte- 
ries of  horse  artillery  disputed  every  step  of  ground.  The  direc- 
tion of  the  horse  artillery  was  left  with  unhesitating  confidence  to 
the  young  officer  ;  and  those  who  witnessed  during  that  arduous 
movement  the  masterly  handling  of  his  guns,  can  tell  how  this  con- 
fidence was  justified — it  was  the  eye  of  the  great  soldier  and  the 
hand  of  the  born  artillerist  which  was  evident  in  his  work  during 
those  days  of  struggle;  he  fell  back  neither  too  soon  nor  too  late, 
and  only  limbered  up  his  guns  to  unlimber  again  in  the  first  posi- 
tion he  reached.  Thus  fighting  every  inch  of  the  way  from  Aldie 
round  by  Paris  and  Markham's,'he  reached  the  Rappahannock,  and 
posted  his  artillery  at. the  fords,  where  he  stood  and  bade  the 
enemy  defiance.  That  page  in  the  history  of  the  war  is  scarcely 
known,  but  those  wdjo  were  present  know  the  obstinacy  of  the  eon- 
tests,  and  the  nerve  and  skill  displayed  by  the  ypnng  officer.  That 
may  be  unknown,  but  the  work  done  by  Pelham  on  the  great  day 
of  Fredericksburg  is  part  of  history  now.  All  know  how  stub- 
bornly he  stood  on  that  day — what  laurels  encircled  his  young 
brow,  when  night  at  last  came.  Tliis  was  the  climax  of  his  fame — 
the  event  with  which  his  name  will  be  inseparably  connected. 
With  one  Napoleon  gun  he  opened  the  battle  on  the  right,  and  in. 
stantlv  drew  upon  himself  the  fire  at-close  range  of  four  batteries 
in  front,  and  a  heavy  enfilading  fire  from  thirty-pound  Parrotts 
across  the  river.  But  this  did  not  daunt  him.  That  Napoleon  gun 
w;is  the  same  he  used  at  the  battle  of  Cold  Harbor;  it  waa  taken 
from  the  enemy  at  Seven  Pines,  and  in  the  hands  of  the  young  offi- 
cer it  had  won  a  lame   that    must    not    be  tarnished   by  def< 

grim  voice  mu-t  roar,  however  great  the*odds — its  reverberating 
defiance  must  roll  over  the  plain,  until  the  bronzed  war  dog  was 
silenced.  So  it  roared  on  steadily,  with  Pelham  beside  it.  blowing 
up  caissons,  and  continuing  to  tear  the  eneinv'fl  ranks.    General  I 


78 

it    from   the   hills  imed,  with  i 

I  mi  ration  :  "  I  ich  courage  in  om 

u  to  see  t 1  -  mi.  placed  in  ah 

t  position,  hold  .its  ground  with  a  fin  •  aoflinching 

•  •  -■  ■  b  beardh  sa  !■•  \  sternly  standing  in  th.it  horri- 
ble hurricane  of  shell,  with  iron  resolution,  and  a  soul  as  immova- 
ble N  until  hii  ind  of  ammunition  was  Bhol 
away  <  1  i *  1  l*»-lli:»tii  retire,  and  then  only  after  a  peremptory  order 
had  been  sent  to  him.  He  afterwards  took  command  of  the  entire 
artillery  on  the  right,  and  foi  until  night,  with  a  skill  and 
courage  which  were  admirable.  II  advanced  his  guns  steadily, 
and  at  nightfall  was  thundering  on  the  dank  of,  the  retreating  roe, 
who  ho  longer  replied.  No  answering  roar  came  back  from  tl 
batteries  he  had  foughl  with  his  Napoleon  so  long.  He  had  tri- 
umphed*. Thai  triumph  was  oomph  te,  and  placed  forever  upon 
ird,  when  the  great  commander-in-chief,  whom  be  loved  and  ad- 
mired  so  ardently,  gave  him  the  name  in  his  report  of"  the  gallant 
Pelham." 

Supreme  tribute  to  bis  courage,  immortalizing  him  in  history] 
To  I  ile  nam.'  mentioned  in  all  that  host  of  heroes,  and  men- 

tioned as  "  the  gaNant  PelhmDa  I" 
Thenceforward  there  was  little   for  him  to  desire.     He  nevey 
ed  for  iv 1 1 ]< ,  only  longed   for  glory;   and   now  his  name  was 
deathless.     It    is  £rue   thai   he  sometimes  said,  with   modesty  and 
noble  pride,  that   he  thought  it   somewhat  hard  to  be  considered 
or  promotion,  when  they  gave  him  greal  commands,  as 
at   Sbarpsburg  and    Frederioksburg,  and  called  on  him  when  the 
hardest  work  was  to  !><•  dour.     But   he  never  desired  a  mere  title" 
he  had  #>;  won.  and  did  his  soldier's  duty  thoroughly,  trusting  to 
time.    So  ooble  and  important,  however,  had  been  his  recent  ser- 
vices, thai  prom  »tion  was  a  mutter  of  course.     The  Preaidenl  had 
appointed  him  a  lieutenant  colonel,  and  it  only  awaited  a  formal 
confirmation  of  the  Senate,  when  he  fell  on  the   Rappahannock. 
His  fall  was  a  public  calamity  to  the  nation,  but  none  to  him.     It 
lit  thai  such  a  Bpiril  should  lay  down  his  greal  work  before  the 
bard  life  of  the  world  had  dimmed  the  polish  of  the  good  knight's 
Bpotless  shield.    He  wonted  no  promotion  at  the  hands  of  men. 
He  bad  won.  if  not  worn,  the  highest  honors  of  the  greal  soldier;' 
and  having  finished  his  task,  the  gentle  spirit  took  its  flight,  pro- 


Hampton's  cavalry.  7^t 

moted  by  the  tender  hand  of  Death  to  other  honors  in  a  brighter 
world. 

In  this  hasty  tribute  to  one  whom  1  knew  well  and  loved  much, 
it  is  hard  to  avoid  the  appearance  of  exaggeration.  rFhe  character 
of  this  young  soldier  was  bo  eminently  noble — his  soul  so  brave, 
so  true,  So  free  from  any  taint  that  was  mean,  or  sordid,  or  little — 
that  the  sober  words  of  truth  may  be  doubted  by  some,  who  will 
only  regard  them  as  that  tender  and  poor  flattery  which  friendship 
accords  to  the  dead.  This  sentiment  will  be  experienced  only  by 
strangers,  however.  Those  who  knew  him  will  recognize  the  true 
portrait.  His  modesty,  his  gentleness,  his  bearing — almost  child- 
like in  its  simplicity — made  his  society  the  most  charming  I  have 
ever  known.  This  modesty  of  his  deportment  was  observed  lev 
every  one.  and  strangers  often  referred  to  the  singular  phenom- 
enon in  a  youth  bred  in  the  self-sufficient  atmosphere  of  W 
Point,  and  whose  name  was  already  famous,  He  never  spoke  of 
himself:  one  might  live  with  him  for  a  month,  and  never  know 
that  he  had  been  in  a  single  action,  lie  never  seemed  to  think  he 
rved  any  applause  for  his  splendid  courage,  and  was  silent 
upon  all  subjects  connected  with  his  own  actions.  In  his  purse 
was  found,  folded  away,  alter  his  death,  a  slip  from  a  United  Slates 
officer,  once  his  friend,  which  contained  the  words  :  "  After  a  long 
silenoe  I  write.  God  bless  you,  dear  IVlham,  I  am  proud  of  your 
tticoess."  But  he  had  never  oven  alluded  to  the  paper.  Distin- 
guished unmistakably  by  the  affection  and  admiration  of  his  imme- 
diate' General  :  rendered  famous  forever  by  the  magnificent  praise 
of  the  Commander-in-Chief  at  Fredericksburg — he  never  exhib- 
ited the  least  trait  of  self-love,  remaining  .-till  what  he  had  always 
boen/aa  modest,  unassuming,  and  simple  as  a  child. 

Tins  and  other  winning  trait*  come  to  my  mind  a-  J  write,  and  I 

could  speak  at  length  of  those  charming  endowments  which  en- 

d  him  to  every  one  around  him.     I  could  dwell  on  his  nice 

•  of  honor,  bis  devotion  to  his  family — on  that   prisca  fide*  in 

his    feelings    and    opinions,  which    marh'    a    irreat.  trim  type  «»f    the 

Southern  gentleman,  attracting  the  attention  and  r<        '      I    the 
moat   eminent  his  time     lint  with   the  recollection 

of  those  eminent  social  characteristic*  the  memory 

of  hie  l"i'  - .  h  ird  work   in  th<  I  havi  him  en* 

.     ii   that    work,  whi  him   In- 


10  TCHES    1 

-<>  of  tl  ter  obtrrj             If,  rounding 
•  v 

uli.it  obstinate,  unyield  ige  he  fougftl  with  r  dar- 

how  splendid,  how  rich  in  th  jtion  of  the  antiqu 

11  entered  upon  a  battle  with  the              -    •  I    resolution  < 

id      trained  i  ,  and  .fought  hie   guns 

with  a  fury  aitd  •  '  "i'  his  horsemen, 

tract  of  the  ground,  do  i  I  ol  the  enemy,  ever  escaped  hit 

With  an  inborn  genius  for  war — which  West  Point  had 
merely  developed,  and  direotod  in  its  proper  channels — he  had 
that  rapid  comprehension— intuition,  almost — which  connl 
much  in  a  leader.'    Where  th  st,  and  the  ] 

Bure  heaviest,  there  was  Pelham  with  his  guns ;   and  the  broken* 
Lines  of  infantry  or  caval  ground  before  irresistible  num- 

bers, heard  with  deep  v  ring,  a"nd   Baw  the  rank-  of  the 

enemy,  torn  and  scattered.  Of  le  waited  for  ho  orders,  but 
took  the  whole  i  bility,  and  opened  his  batteries  where  he 

saw  that   they  were  needed   l»y  the  ties  of  the   moment. 

Bui  what  he  did  was  always  the  very  best  thai  could  be  done.  Ho 
struck  at   the  right    momi  liin  arm  was  heavy..    Many 

had  felt  it,  and  the  knowledge  thai  Pelham,  with  his  hone  artil- 
lery, was  in  frpnt, did  not  give  them  much  heart  Cor  the  encounter. 
T     v  knew  that  the  announcement  was  another  manner  of  inform- 

a  thai  skill,  daring,  and  stubborn  courage  were  to  be  dealt 

with;   that   wounds,  disaster,  and  death  awaited  them   from  the 

hands  of  the  young  leader.     Wh  ■■■  terrified  the  foe  was  the  gauge 

men.    T  roar  of  Pelham's  Napoleons  was 

iund.     When  the  deep-mouthed  thunder  of  those  guns 

1.  t  he  fiint. •■  heart,  and  the  contest  assumed  a  new 

phase  to  all,  for  thai  sound  had  pi  ived  on  many  a  held  the  harbin- 

ictory.* 

le  those  guna  was  the  ch  isen  post  of  the  young  artillerist, 

the  gaudium  oerlami  I   to  fill  his  being  at  such  moments ; 

and  however  numerous  the  batteri<  -  which   he  threw  into  action, 

he  never  remained  behind  mmand  of  the  whole  held."     He 


"  The  rumor  obtain*  I  a  M  ijor  Pelham  lost  one  or  mora  of  bis 

I  foil  baok  from  the  mountains.     The  report  is  entirely  without 

Though  he  fought  his  pieces 
with  pacta  "  ■  tiiKiov  t!i:it  the  enemy  more  than  once  charged  within  ten  yards  of  the 
muzzles  of  the  gun*,  In   klwayi  drove  them  back,  und  brought  his  artillery  off  Bafely. 


Hampton's  cavalry.  81 

told  me  that  he  considered  this  his  duty,  and  he  never  shrank 
he  might  have  done,  in, performing  it.  He  was  ever  by  the  guns 
which  were  under  the  hottest  fire,  and  when  the  enemy  shifted 
their  fire  to  other  portions  of  the  field,  he  proceeded  thither,  riding 
at  full  speed,  and  directed  the  fresh  batteries  in  person.  His  men 
will  remember  how  cheering  and  inspiring  wis  bis  presence  .to 
them;  how  his  oooli  idied  them  in  the  most  exciting  mo- 

ments; and  his  brave,  cheerful  voice  was  the  herald  of  sun 
"  He  was  the  braves!  human  being  I  ever  saw  in  my  life,"  Baid  one 
of  his  officers  I  conversed  with  recently;  and  all  who  have  seen 
him  will  bear  similar  testimony.  His  coolness  had  something  in 
it  heroic,  and  almost  terrible  at  times.  It  never  descried  him,  or 
was  affected  by  those  chances  of  battle  that  make  tin.'  bravest  men 
nervous..  He  saw  guns  shattered  and  dismounted,  <>v  men  torn  to 
pieces,  without  changing  color,  or  exhibiting  any  nigns  ol  emotion. 
lb-  nature  seemed  strung,  and  every  muscle  braced,  to  a  pitch 
which  precluded  the  possibility  of  faltering.  The  cause  he  fought 
forgave  him  nerves  of  iron,  and  the  ghastliest  spectacle  of  blood 
and  death  left  his  soul  unmoved,  the  stem  will  unbent  as  before. 

That  unbending  will  had  been  tested  often,  and  had  never  failed 
him  yet.  At  Mn  -  -  Williamsburg,  Cold  Hnrbor,  Grove  ton,  Ox 
Hill,  Sharpsburg,  Shepherdstown.  Kearney sville,  A.ldie, Union,  Tp- 
perville,  MarkhamV.  Barber's,  Hazel  River,  and  Fredericksburg,  at 
all  these  and  many  ol  her  places  he  fought  his  horse  "artillery,  ami 
handled  it  with  such  heroic  contempt  of  danger,  One  day.  when 
I  led  him  to  speak  of  his  career,  he  counted  up  something  like 
sixty  battle-  id  ~mdl,  which  be  had  been  in,  and  in  every 

had  borne  B  prominent  part.      Talk  with   the  associates  of  the 
youii  i  in  those  hard-fought  battles,  and  they  will  tell  you  of 

a  hundred  instances  of  his  dauntless  courage.    Ai  M  he  took 

position   in  a  place  so  dangerous  that  an  officer  who  had  folio 
him   up  to  that  moment,  rode  away  with   the  on  that  "if 

Pelham  was  fool  enough  to  itay  there,  },<  -."     Bui  General 

thanked    him.  a-   he   had   thanked    him   at   Cold    II.' 
when   the  brave  you  r  came   I  I  with  dust  from 

nting  lo-  N  i,  the  liuht  of  victory  in  >■  Mark- 

ham's,  while  he  was  Gghting  the  enemy  in  fronl  i  cir- 

cuit and  1    him  in  tin-  it   he  turned 

and  fought   them  ai  before,  and  with  nii**Fren< 
singing  aloud    the   triumphant  M<  OS   Napoleon 

11 


•,    tfaei        sk.    All  that  whole  great 
marvel  of  hard  fighting,  however;  and  Pelham 
the  Btoul  struggle,  as  he  was  of  the  hoi  con* 

jri(  ksbu  chief  of  artillery 

-•■hi  his  men  in,  leaving  the  direction  of  the  gone  to 
inch  offi  brave  Captain   ffenry;  bul  this  did  not  suit 

;ict't;iiii.  Be  musl  go  himself  with  the  one  gun  sent 
forward,  and  beside  thai  piece  be  remained  until  it  was  ordered 
back — directing  his  own  men  to  lie  down,  bul  himself  sitting  on 
his  own  horse,  and  intent  solely  npon  the  designs  and  movements 
of  the  enemy,  whollj  -  "1  the  "fire  of  hell"  hurled  against 

him.    It  was  glorious,  ind  G  declared,  to  see  such 

oism  in  the  boyish  artillerist  ;  and  well  might  General  Jackson 
speak  of  him  in  terms  of  "  exaggerated  compliment,"  and  ask  Gen- 
eral Stuart  "if  he  had  another  Pelham  to  c:ive  him"  On  that  greal 
day  the  son  of  Alabama  covered  himself  with  glory;  but  no  one 
who  knew  him  felt  any  surprise  at  it.    Those  who  had  seen  him  at 

work  «in  other  lields.  knew  the  dauntless  resolution  of  his  brave 
young  soul — the  tough  and  stern  fibre  of  his  courage.  That  hard 
libro  could  bear  any  strain  upon  it  an  1  remain  unmoved. 

In  all  those  hard  sombats  no  ball  or  shell  ever  struck  him.    The 
:  the  blue  •  »m#d  to  conquer  danger,  and  rei 

death  powerless.  Se  seemed  to  bear  a  charmed  life,  and  to  | 
amid  showers  ol  bullets  and  even  projectile,  without  peril  or  fear 
of  the  result.  It  was  doI  from  the  en<  tny's -artillery  alone  that  he 
ran  the  greatesl  danger  in  battle.  He  was  never  content  to  re- 
main at  his  guns  if  they  were  silent.  His  mind  was  full  of  the 
contest  ;  ponderi  -  though  he  had  command  of  the 

whole  army  himself,  he  never  rested  in  his  exertions  to  penetrate 
the  designs  of  the  enemy.  Thus  he  ventured  systematically  into 
the  very  pre  the  foe,  reoonnoitering  his  positions,  and  en- 

11  bis  strength  or  weakness.  Upon  such  occa- 
sions he  was  the  mark  at  which  the  sharpshooters  directed  their 
most  dangerous  fire;  bul  they  never  struck  him.  The  balls  passed 
to  the  righl  or  left,  or  overhead — his  hour  had  not  yet  come. 

It  came  at  last  upon  the  hard  fight  upon  the  Rappahannock, and 
the  famous  youth  lies  low  at  last.  He  fell  "with  the  battle-cry 
upon  his  lips,  and  the  lighl  of  victory  beaming  in  his  eye."  In  the 
words  oi  the  General  Order  which  his  beloved  commanded  issued, 
"  his  record  has  been  bright  and  spotless  ;   his  career  brilliant  and 


Hampton's  cavalry.  <s;> 

successful ;   he  fell  the  noblest  of  sacrifices  on  the'  altar  of  his 
country." 

The  theme  grows  beneath  the  pen,  which  at  first  attempted  a 
slight  sketch  only,  and  my  paper  is  growing  too  long.  A  few 
words  are,  however,  necessary  still  to  complete  the  outline  of  this 
young  soldier.  His  name  will  remain  connected  forever  with  great 
events;  but  it  will  live  perennial,  too,  in  many  hearts  who  mourn 
bitterly  his  untimely  end.  All  who  knew  him  loved  him"—1!  believe 
no  human  being  disliked  him.  His  character  was  so  frank,' and 
open,  and  beautiful — his  bearing  so  modest  and  full  of  simplicity — 
that  lie  conciliated  all  hearts,  and  made  everyone  who  met  him  his 
friend.  His  passions  were  strong,  and  when  he  was  aroused,  fire 
darted  from  the  flint,  but  this  was  seldom.  During  all' my  acquaint- 
ance with  him — and  that  acquaintance  dated  back  to  the  autumn  of 
L861  —I -never  had  a  word  addressed  to  me  that  was  unfriendly,  and 
never  saw  him  angry  but  twice.  "Poor  boy,"  said  one  who  loved 
him,  "he  was  angry  with  me  once;"  and  the  speaker  had  known 
him  longer  than  1  had.  He  had  rare  self-control,  and  I  think  this 
sprung  in  a  great  measure  from  a  religious  sense  of  duty.  He 
Would  sit  and  read  his  Bible  with  close  attention,  and  though  be 
had  never  made  a  profession  of  his  religious  convictions,  it  is  cer- 
tain that  these  convictions  shaped  his  -conduct.  The  thought  of 
death  never  seemed  to  cross  his  mind,  however;  and  he  once  told 
me  that  he  had  never  felt  that  he  would  be  killed  in  this  war. 
Alas!  the  brief  proverb  is  the  comment:  "Man  proposes,  but  God 
disp< 

Thus — modest,  brave,  loving,  and  beloved,  the  soldier,  the 
charming  companion — he  passed  away  from  friends  who  cherished, 
leaving  a  void  which  no  other  being  can  till.  Alabama  lent  him  to 
Virginia  for  a  time;  hut.  alas!  the  pale  face  smiles  no  mon  as  he 
returns  to  her.  Many  moon  hi-  early  death  her.:  where  his  glory 
w;is  w<m.  as  in  the  Southern  land  from  which  he  came.  To  these — 
the  wide  circle  who  loved  him  for  his  great  qualities,  and  his  kind, 
good  heart— his  loss  i-  irreparable,  as  it  is  to  the  whole  land.  The 
"breed  of  noble  minds"  like  his  is  not  numerous,  and  when  such 

form-  di  the  gap  is  hard  t  .  till — the  el  ruggle  for  our  liber- 

ties h  more  arduous   than  before.      Bui    the    memory  of  thi  *    ' 

young  soldi*  r  still  i  smaini  with  as  :  hi-  name  is  immortal  in  history 
as  in  many  hearts  which  throbbed  at  In-  death 


BK1  ;:0M 

P  •!!.-       I      !•■  :    ■  -    I    try   to  strew  tin  tho 

ible  soul,      lint    the  I"--  is  ton  recent,  and  the 

rid  has  not  yet   healed,    The  hearl  -till   bleeds  u   the  pen 
ill  words  on  the  p 

"  Mourn  for  him  !     Lot  him  be  regarded 

r   lid 

i  follow  i"  bia  on 

Strange  words,  it  may  be  -  lid,  for  a  boy  little  more  than  twenty  ; 
ted  est 
.  the  words  arc  not  strange;  the  loss  is  not  exaggerated;  for 
the  name  ef  this  youth  was  John  Pelbam. 

The  great  victory  of  Chancellors ville  over  "the  finest  army  on 
the  planet,"  clouded  by  the  uniimriiy  fall  of  the  peerless  Jacbfeou, 
lia<l  opened  auspiciously  the  spring  campaign;  Stoneman's  grand 
raid  at  the  same  juncture,  was  a  ridiculous  counterpart  of  the  over 
confident  Xankee  commander's  sanguine  programme  to  "gobble" 

-  army.  \V;th  his  powerful  columns  of  infantry,  he  proposed 
to  attack  and  rout  it  in  front,  and  to  bis  dashing  cavaliers  he  had 

-iied  the  important  part  of  cutting  the  communications  in  the 
rear,  and  thereby  secure  its, certain. destruction.    This  part  of  the 

gramme,  however,  was  the  only  redeeming  feature  in  "fighting 
Joe's  "  maiden  effort,  which  truly  caused  some  little  sensation  for 

the  moment,  but  really  did  little  more  than  make  a  basty  circuit 
by  the  tread  of  their  hurried  column-  :  and  the  only  apology  for 
the  impunity  was  the  broken  down  condition  of  the  cavalry  on  the 
npper  part  of  the  line,  and  the  absence  of  EXampton's  command, 
and  the  circumstance  of  a  battle  going  on  at  the  same  time,  which 
warily  demanded  the  immediate  presence  of  General  Stuart 
and  all  the  other  cavalry,  which  in  battle,  as  well  as  on  the  out- 
is  the  eves  and  ears  of  the  army  ;  and  simply  because  this; 
raid  was  allowed  to  pass  unchaatised,  many  narrow  minds,  far  in 
the  rear,  who  will  have  themselves  heard,  dealt  many  heavy  blows 

upon  the  character  of  tin-  devoted  patriot  and  noble  officer,  who 
had  shown  himself  upon  this  DCCS  .on.  as  well  as  every  other. 
nobly  at  his  post,  doing  his  duty  in  the  thickest  of  the  fight;  and 
all  such  undue  imputations  are  more  than  answered  and  put  to 
lasting  silence  in  the  circumstance  of  the  wounded  hero  Jackson 
delivering  over  to  him  bi's  command  at  that  critical   period  of  the 


Hampton's  cavalry.  85 

raging  battle-,  who  placed  himself  at  the  head  of  his  devoted  men,' 
and  sending  for  his  dispositions  and  plans,  the  suffering  hero  confi- 
dently exclaimed  :  "  Go  back  to  General  Stuart,  and  tell  him  to  act 
upon  his  own  judgment ;  I  have  implicit  confidence  in  him." 

The  Yankee  authorities  had  spared  no  pains  in  reorganizing  and 
perfecting  the  efficiency  of  the  cavalry  arm  of  the  service  for  the 
operations  of  the  spring  campaign.  Paring  the  winter  they  had 
recruited  and  organized  four  full  divisions,  each  commanded  res- 
pectively by  Averill,  Kilpatrick,  Buford  and  Gregg,  which  con- 
stituted a  corps  under  Major  General  Stoneman  ;  l>e<io!es,  a  regi- 
ment of  mounted  rifles,  armed  with  a  superior  gun.  known  as  the 
'"  Spence  repeating  rifle,"  accompanied  each  brigade — thus  from 
their  own  estimate!  outnumbering  our  cavalry  three  to  one,  and 
besides  the  double  facility  of  at  once  remounting  their  men  when 
dismounted.  With  this  superiorly  equipped  and  organized  force, 
under  their  most  able  and  sl'illful  cavalry  officers,  they  vauntingly 
boasted  that  they  would  at  once  "ride  down  and  demolish  Stuart's 
rebel  cavalry." 

After  the  battle  of  Chancellorsville,  General  Stuart,  too,  was 
active  in  organizing- and  disciplining  his  comparatively  small  force, 
comprising  Jones',  Hampton's,  Wm.  H.  and  Fitz.  Lee's,  and  Robin- 
son's brigades  (the  latter  only  Comprising  two  regiments,  the 
Fourth  and  Fifth  North  Carolina  cavalry).;  and  about  the  first  of 
June  these  commands  were  all  collected  and  massed  on  the. Upper 
lines-  of  the  Rappahannock,  near  Brandy  Station,  in  concert  of  a 
'formation  of  new  combinations  that  were  to  initiate1  an  important 
movement  against  the  enemy.  In  view  of  the  same  considerations, 
the  corps  of  Longstreet  and  Fwell  moved  up  a  weej<  after,  in  the 
vicinity  of  Culpeper  C.  II.,  some  eight  miles  from  this  point. 


86.  SKETCHES    FROM 


CHAPTER    XI. 


BATTLE   OF   BRANDY  STATION, 


Storieman,  dripping  with  the  anguent  of  praise  lavishly  poured 
upon  him  by  the  sensational  Northern  presa  in  accomplishing,  as  it 
termed  it,  "one  of  the  grandest  feats  known  to  ancient  chivalry  or 
modern  cavalry,"  after  resting  a  few  weeks  under  the  pressure  of 
his  lately  won  laurels,  wheeled  his  columns  and  quietly  passed 
them  round  on  the  night  of  the  8th  of  June,  and  massed  them  be- 
hind the  high  hills  in  rear  of  Kelly's  and  Beverly's  Fords,  prepar- 
atory to  an  open  tilt  with  Stuart  on  the  south  banks.  Our  usual 
picket  force  extended  around  the  different  crossings  of  the  river, 
while  the  camps  lay  but  a  few 'miles  back,  near  Brandy  Station. 

The  battle  field  was  most  splendidly  adapted  to  cavalry  fighting, 
being  a  range  of  extensive  open  fields,  that  IJears  off  in  an  almost 
level  plain  for  four  miles  from  the  river,  nearly  back  to  Brandy 
Station,  and  then  rising  in  a  range  of  gently  sloping  hills,  broken 
here  and  there  with  small  rivulets  from  gushing  springs  that  head 
at  the  bottom  of  these  slopes  ;  and  as  you  near  the  latter  place", 
flanked  at  intervals  on  each  side  by  bands  of  woodland.  The 
Orange  and  Alexandria  Railroad  runs  through,  bisecting  the 
plain  into  two  nearly  equal  parts.  The  station — a  small  village 
around  the  depot— is  approached  from  the  south  by  two  public 
roads  :  one  leading  from  Raccoon  Ford,  on  the  Rapidan,  through 
Steveiislmig,  and  the  other  directly  from  Culpeper  C.  11.,  and 
another  from  the  sonth-wesl  from  Rixeyville — all  converging  into 
each  other  at  the  station,  and  leading  on  to  the  north-west,  forks  a 
mile  beyond,  the  left  leading  off  to  Beverly's  Ford;  the  right  runs 
a  short  distance;  and  crpsses  the  railroad,  crossing  the  river  at  Rap- 
pahannock station.  On  the  lasl  line  of  thest  eminences,  overlook- 
ing the  whole  plain,  a  half-mile  west  of  the  station,  stands  the 
Fleetwood  House,  General  Stuart's  headquarters. 

So  quietly  conceived  were  the  movements  of  the  enemy  during 
the  night  behind  the  hills  in  our  front,  that  no  intimation  of  an  ad- 
vance was  discovered  by  our  pickets  till  about  daybreak,  when  a 
heavy  column  of  the  enemy's  advance  came  suddenly  pouring  over 
the  opposite  hills,  dashed  simultaneously  across  both  fords  at  Bev- 


Hampton's  cavalry.  87 

erly's  and  Kelly's,  about  eight  miles  distant.  The  different  brig- 
ades were  hurried  forward  and  took  their  positions — W.  H.  F.  Lee 
and  Jones  on  the  left  at  Beverly's  Ford,  Fitz.  Lee  and  Hampton  on 
the  Beverly  Ford  road,  on  the-- west  end  of  Brandv  plains, and  Rob- 
inson on  the  right  on  the  obscure  road  leading  from-  Kelly's  Ford  ; 
and  the  Second  "South  Carolina  Regiment  and  the  Fourth  Virginia, 
under  Colonel  Butler,  were  despatched  back  beyond  Stevensburg 
on  the  main  road  leading  from  Kelly's  Ford. 

The  enemy  hurried  a  heavy  force  of  cavalry,  supported  by  in- 
fantry, across  both  these  fords,  and  pushed  rapidly  forward  his 
advance  from  Beverly's.  Dividing  his  column,  one  advanced 
straight  out  to  the  front,  and  the  other  deflected  to  Jhe  left  down 
the  road  leading  to  "Brandy.  The  Second  North  Carolina  Regi- 
ment, of  W.  H.  F.  Lee's*brii2;ade,  were  thrown  forward  to  meet  the 
advance  of  the  former,  which  had  driven  our  pickets  back  upon 
Elkwood,  about  half  a  mile.  The  enemy  gradually  pushed  them 
back  from  this  position  to  a  stone  fence  that  ran  across  a  bottom  a 
short  distance  on  this  side  of  Elkwood,  where  Captain  S.  J.  An- 
drews had  posted  a  squadron  of  sharpshooters,  which  proved  a 
serious  annoyance  to  the  enemy's  advance.  His  sharpshooters  at- 
tempted .several  time*  to  carry  the  position,  but  were  repuls'ed  ;  a 
body  of  cavalry  attempted  to  charge  it,  and  after  a  desperate  effort 
wire  driven  back,  leaving  the  greater  part  of  their  number  victims 
to  the  unerring  aim  of  the  North  Carolinians.  The  fight  here 
finally  quieted  down  till  later  in  the  day  into  a  long  range  skirm- 
ish. In  the  meantime  the  other  column  had  pushed  forward  rap- 
idly, following  the  retiring  pickets  closely,  came  dashing  up  in 
heavy  advance,  with  the'main  column  supporting  it  at  a  short  dis- 
tance. It  was  with  the  utmost  energy  that  our  advance  could 
cheek  "them  long  enough  for  Jones'  brigade  to  form  ;  and  after 
an  indiscriminate  skirmish.  General  Jones  retired  slowly  before 
them,  and  drawing  them  on  to  the  last  point  of  woods  that  skirted 
tin-  plains  from  the  west,  drew  them  on  into  the  plain  where  a  bat- 
tery of  our  artillery  had  taken  position,  when  he  charged  them 
with    the  Eleventh   and    Twelfth  Virginia    Regiments,  and    after   a 

hotly  contested  hand  to  hand  fight  for  several  minute-,  the  ene- 
my's lino  Bwerved  and  broke  back  into  the  Woods,  and  were 
pr<  -sed  till  they  reached  a  heavy  snppoii  ,,|  infantry  and  cavalry, 
when  our  dismounted  men  advanced,  and  after  a  hot  contest  driv- 
ing them  still   further  back  upon  the  ford.     Baffled  in  his  advame 

• 


re  his  forces  round  to  the  right 

nr  flank,  ■  od  about  baliF  ■ 

II  8  brigade  ^  afl  advanced  at  • 

gallop  with  d  '  be  enemy,  but  thej 

imli  drawn  out  into  an  open  Geld  fight.     In  the  mean* 

time  they  uric  tadl)  picking  the  mounted  men  off  with  their  long 

\  iquadron  ol  -  rs  were  dismounted  from 

■it.  and  w<  re  thrown  into  the  woods,  which  was  found 

Lo  be   infested  with  di>na  Iry  and  the  knapaaok  gentry 

.and  tli«  \  were  at  once  charged  with  that 
!  yell,  and  driven  hack   a  considerable  distance,  our  men 
aking  thi  i  in  regular  Indian  style,- and  £ghtink 

on  against   the  heavy  lineeof  the  enemy,  whose  thick  and  bu< 

Iv  from  one  end  ol   the  line  to  the  other, 
with  a  coolness  and  determination  that  caused  but  few  shots  from 

;.     1 n-  instance  a  poor  Carolina  boy  is 

•.  ith  the  fatal  $huak  from  a  Miiiie  m<  ;  with  a  low, 

groan  he  shivered  in  almost  splints,  from 

under  htm  as  he   fell,  patient)}    raising  the  helpless  limb  in  as 

mid  admit,  i:  led  his  rifle  and 

Laid»up  against  a  .-tump,  and  kept  on  delibi  iving  the  enemy 

the  beat  he  had.     In  the  me  General  Jones  and  the  other 

dry  OQ  the  left  were  .still    he;, tin--   the   enemy    hark  down  Upon 

:       I  inforced  in  front  of  <  leneral 

I.  ,  about  noon  attempted  to  turn  our  extreme   left  Hank.     Their 

was  met  by  the  Second  North  Carolina,  under  Colonel 
Williams.  \  ev<  re  hand  to  hand  fight  ensued.  Old  United 
.  been  met  ;  the  enemy  swerve  back  and  j 
a  short  distance ;  a  fresh  column  is  thrown  forward  to  their  sup- 
port; in  turn  tl  Hi  North  Carolinians  are  pressed  back, 
Blowly,  Btubbornly  cone  /ery  inch  of  ground,  wheq  the 
whole  bi                        ip  to  its  assistance,  and   the  whoh   Yai 

.  •  i  and  break   back   beyond   their  former  position,  leav. 
as  undisputed   ai  I   this  part   of  the  field,  with  all   his 

;  and  wounded,  which  lay  profusely  around,  and  several  pris- 
oners in  our  hands.     Our  loss  w  in  officers.     General  W. 

II.  1'.    I.  .rely    winded,  and    Colonel    Williams,  of   the 

;  N       h  Carolina,  fell,  lending   his  men  on   in   this  despi 
charge-   au    able   and   skillful  oflieer   and    an   accomplished  gen- 
tleman. 


Hampton's  cavalry.  89 

The. enemy,  thus  driven  in  at  this  point,  and  Hampton  also 
steadily  driving  him  down  upon  the  ford  at  Rappahannock  Station, 
Was  about  to  bring  the  matter-to  an  immediate  favorable  issue  on 
this  part  of  the  field  ;  when  about  one  o'clock,,  suddenly  large 
clouds  of  dust  were  seen  rising  in  the  direction  of  Brandy  Station. 
A  large  force  of  the  enemy's  cavalry,  with  rapid  strides,  were 
sweeping'  down  upon  our  rear. 

Here,  in  connection  with  this  juncture,  the  events  transfer  fls  to 
another  part  of  the  field.  In  the  meantime,  while  the  enemy  had 
been  engaging  our  left  mainly  in  front  of  Beverly's,  he  had  crossed 
Kilpatrick'a  division  and  artillery  at  Kelly's  Ford,  moved  far  to  flic 
left,  and  had  advanced  on  Stevensburg.  The  small  force,  already 
mentioned,  placed  on  this  road,  met  the  enemy  on  Dagget's  farm  ; 
a  charge  was  ordered,  in  which  only  part  of  the  2d  South  Carolina 
Regiment  participated,  at  which  the  enemy's  advance  recoiled,  and 
only  by  the  mere  stress  of  overwhelming  odds  that  little  hand- 
ful was  borne  back,  retreating,  fighting,  through  Stevensburg — 
making  frequent  stands — charging  back  upon  the  advancing  col- 
umns  of  the  enemy.  It)  one  of  these  last  desperate  charges  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  Hamilton  (brother  of  General  Hampton)'  fell,  gal- 
lantly leading  his  men,  and  Colonel  Butler  had '.his  leg  shut  off  by 
a  cannon  ball.  Slowly  and  sullenly  they  fell  back,  contesting 
the  ground  against  the  overwhelming  odds — delivering  deliberate 
volleys  as  they  retired  back  on  Brandy  station.  The  enemy  came 
pushing  eagerly  his  columns  on  our  rear,  approaching  the  Fleet- 
wood House,  where  our  batteries  were  in  position.  The  position 
now  assumed  a  most  critical  feature;  this  new  and  daring  move- 
ment on  the  pari  of  the  enemy  placed  our  forces  in  a  perilous 
situation.  Nearly  all  the  troops  had  been  sent  down  to  pf6S€  OUT 
advantages  at  the  fords,  from  two  to  three  miles  distant.  The 
only  available  force,  at  hand  wen-  two  Virginia  Regiments,  whom 
irt  dispatched  to  meet  and  hold  the  advance  till  other 
troops  could  hasten  to  their  support.  Tic  long  lim  of  the  • 
-  dusky  columns  were  sweeping  in  dashing  style  up  i\ir  pi 
that  approa<  I  enveloping  our 

from  Fi  li  their  i  and  are  v  >rk<  1  with  the 

utmost   vigor  and  rapidity;  plunging  the   sfa 
■unsteady  and  arrest  the  advance.    The  little  handful  of  Virginian! 
are  uo^  resolutely  hurled  stly  disproportionate  op- 

.  which  i  I  iry  pause.     The  enemy 

12 


SKETCH' 

flank,  hurlingit  back  by  the 

tmtnl"  '  ched   to 

II  .::.;•  d  to  report  immediately  to  this  suddenly  menaced  point. 

ilf  bigh  in  his  saddle,  from  the  ¥\ 
I  Hill,  eagerly  looks  out  for  the  much-needed  reinforcemeotai 
A    i  break   with  cosnSdenl    si 

.1.  which  belches  at  them  rapid 
»d  caniato  eping  through  the  ranks  with 

terrible  effect.     Y>  I  dn  they  <  Another  h<  av>  column 

dbliqnery  round  to  the  right.  Just  at  this  juncture  rising  clouds 
of  dost  are  Been  rapidly  approaching  from  the  plains  above.  Thia 
phenomenon  lightens  up  Stuart'.-  anxious  features  ;  he  shouts  to 
the  gunners,  with  his  face  kindling  with  the  highest  satisfaction, 
"Give  it  to  them, my  boys;  t)  h  imptoiiandhiegUn 

i  'lljiijltt  ll,nn."   The  enemy's  advance  had  now  reaohed  the 
first    pieces,  the  canuoniers  boldly  met   them,  shouting  "boysltfs 
"—hand  to  hand,  with   their  swabsticks  and  ram* 
mere,  they  stand  op  against  the   crowding  Yankee   troopers.     At 
thin  critical   moment,  the   Oobb   Legion,  a  short  distance  in  ad- 
other  troop-,  with  its  dashing  and  feat 
id  at  the  head,  came  up  at   the  top  •  '-.  and  dashed  to 

te,  yelling  like  d(  Yankee  ranks  arc  immedi- 

j  hurled  hack  at  the  point  of  the  sabre,  and  thrown  into  hi 
roul  toward.-  tho  station-  hotl}  pursued — falling  at  every  Btep 
beneath  the  clashes  oi  th  ml   troopers.    The  Yankee  gun^ 

that  had  been  Mindly  thundering  amid  the  Bmoke  and  dusl   I 

hill,  suddenly  ved.  by  a  hearty  shout-   the 

pri/  bG  ni-  have  cleared   the  field,  leav-- 

iag  the  track  Btrew  n  with  bin.  -clad  \  i,ctims — among  them  a  colonel 

and  thr<  \o\  the  line     capturing  a  major  aud  seyeral'other 

prisoners. 

In  the  meantime,  the  other  column  Bwung  round   to  the  right, 

eting  the  other  portion  of  Hampton's  men,  the  Jeff.  Davis  Le- 

gion,  First  North  Carojinaand  South  Carolina  Regiments,  just  on 

the  w<  ri  -*!••  of  the  railroad  on  an  open  plateau  of  ground,  where 

a   most   handsome  tournament   ensued — each    regiment   tilting  at 

its  antagonist  as  it  ent<  red  the  lists — a  few  furious  surges,  and  his 

line  breaks  :  officers  and  men  burry  across  the  railroad,  and  on  there 

heels  the  commands  dashed,  precipitating  the  rout,  when  unfortu- 

|y  our  own  artillery  opened  a  furious  short-range  fire  upon  our 


Hampton's  cavalry.  ;         91 

columns,  mistaking,  amid  the  smoke  and  dust,  our  columns  for  the 
Yaukees,  causing  a  momentary  pause,  which  gave  the  closely 
pressed  columns  of  the  enemy  time  to  gain  on  us,  who  weremnking 
the  fastest  possible  time  for  the  woods,  half  a. mile  beyond.  We, 
however,  pushed  on  through  a. storm  of  shell  and  canister,  and  suc- 
ceeded in  killing  a  good  number,  and  capturing  a  lot  of  prisoners; 
among  t]icm"a  major  and  several  other  officers,  and  a  stand  of 
regimental  colors.     Our  loss  was  comparatively  small. 

Here  a  gallant  little  episode,  emanating  from  this  part  of  the 
fight,  is  worthy  of  special  notice.  In  this  last  charge  Colonel 
Baker  ordered  Captain  Cowles,  of  Company  A,  and  Captain  Wood, 
of  Company  G,  First  North  Carolina  cavalry,  to  charge  and  cap: 
ture  a  body  of  the  enemy  that  seemed  to  have  lopped  off  from  the 
main  column.  These  officers  dashed  at  them,  killing  and  capturing 
must  of  the  party,  and  pursuing  the  rest  to  the  woods.  The  cir- 
cumstance of  our  guns  firing  into  and  pausing  our  column,  placed. 
the  party  fir  in  advance,  just  as  the  whole  flying  mass  was  reach- 
ing the  wood.  Notwithstanding  the  mere  handful  under  this  com- 
mand, the  opportunity  could  not  be  lost — the  little  party,  number- 
ing not  over  twenty-five  men,  spurred  on  after  them,  cutting,  and 
slashing,  and  taking  prisoners  as  they  went,  goading  on  the  rear 
of  at  least  two  thousand  Hying  Yankees,  running  at  a  break-neck 
speed,  thinking  the  whole  rebel  cavalry  upon  them.  Depleting 
their  little  party  al  different  stages  of  the  race  to  take  prison' 
era  back  to  the  rear,  who  had  accumulated  by  scores,  yet  on 
these  two  daring  officers  dashed  in  the  exciting  chase,  till  the 
fugitive  column  was  brought  to  a  bait  by  jamming  down  im 
narrow  p  issage  in  a  creek  ;  where  from  the.  c  ited, 

not  more  than  half  a  dozen  men  rem  lined  with  these  two  officers; 
yet   tie'  panic-stricken  enemy  did  not  wait  to  feel  the  force  in  the 
rear.     At  this  point  a  real  down-easter  looking  personage,  dres 
in   a  slnat    sack  ami   baggy  pants  of  broad  check 
standing   OH    tin-   roadside   attempting  to   arrest    the    trail!  "I    ftigi- 
flying   past    him.  at   the  top   of  his  V  LI  ring    them    that. 

there  were  no  rebels  near  ;  when  the  chivalrt  found  C 

tain  Coles'  pistol  at  In-  breast,  demanding  his  ram  i  ler.    He  trenv 
blingly  "  went  up  ig  his  ad  gallant 

Captain  aa  M  .  Bo  I  the  New  Toi  k    11 

who,  with  another  off  the  oppo  of  the  road,  < 

in  the  same  chii  conduct,  were  safely  borne   to  the  rear. 


SKK:  OM 

« 

bty  communication  from   the  his 

•  t  be  Libbj .  I 

little  party  now  becoming  encumbered  with  prieonerej  and 

just  ther  heavy  column  w<  tog  in   tbe  rear  of  them, 

dashed  out  with  prisoners  and  all.  and  bj  a  circuitous  mute  eluded 

a  body  who  i  it  in  pursuit  of  them,  and  safely  joined  their 

mand   late  in  the  evening,  having  captured  and  secured   more 

than  twice  their  number  in  prU 

This  last   gfrand   chai  —inn  of  nearly  every  part 

the  field  thai  had  been  occupied  by  the  epemy,  except  a  point 
far  down  upon  the  railroad,  where  the  enemy  had  several  pieces  of 
artillery  posted,  where  an  artillery  duel  was  kept  up  by  the 
teries  of  each  party  till  late  in  the  evening,  when  it  was  driven  off, 
and  then  Colonel  Baker  was  ordered  to  advance,  supported  hy  the 
brigade.  Advancing  al  a  brisk  pace,  the  rear  of  the  enemy  was 
overtaken,  and  after  an  exoiting  chase,  capturing  Beveral  of  the 
number,  the,  main  body  was  driven  precipitately  across  the  river. 
The  buh  set  upon*  us  undisputed  masters  of  the  field.  Tin.1  enemy, 
ae  usual,  termed  it  "only  a  rs  usance  in  forceVand  after  ac- 

complisbing  their  purpose,  retired  across  the  river."    Our  loss  was 
pretty  severe  in  killed  and  wound)<  i.  «\  bile  the  enemy's  loss  was  at 
I   double  ours.     Three  pii  splendid  artillery  and  four 

hundred  prisoners  fell  into  our  hands. 

The  importance  of  this  victory  cannot  be  f<><>  highly  estimate^, 
not  only  in  punishing  the  <  verely^but  had  be  gained  a] 

on  this  Bide  ol  tbe  river,  it  would  have  seriously  affected  our  sub- 
sequent movements.    As  it  was,  he  gained  do  foothold,  and  failed 
to  unveil  iiiy'moveiiieii;  of  our  army.    This  brilliant  and  iln-. 
victory  over  the  enemy's  far  better  equipped  and  organized  c 
airy,  gave  full  satisfaction  to  General   Lee,  ae  be  expressed  in  his 
official  pap. 

in  the  7th  of  June  a  large  forci  of  Federal  cavalry,  stronglj 
supported  by  inland  1  the  R  ppahannock  at  Bevi  rly's  and 

Kelly's  Ford.-,  and  attacked  General  Smart.  iL severe  engagement 
ensued,  continuing  from  early  in  the  morning  nhtil  late  in  the  af- 
ternoon, when  the  enemy  w-<  !  to  recr.0SB  the  river,  with 
lnavy  losSj  leaving  four  hundred  ;  .  three  pieces  of  artillery, 
and  Beveral  colors  in  our  hand-.' 


Hampton's  cavalry.  93 

CHAPTER    XII. 

THE  PENNSYLVANIA  CAMPAIGN — CAPTURE  OF  WINCHESTER — EWELL's 
FORCE  CROSSES  THE  POTOMAC — STUART'S  CAVALRY  FIGHTS  AT  MII>- 
DLEBURG  AND  UPPERVILLE — OUR  WHOLE  ARMY  ENTER  PENNSYLVA- 
NIA— BATTLE  ,  OF    GETTYSBURG — LEE    RETIRES     FROM    GETTYSBURG 

CAUSES   OF   THE   RETROGRADE  MOVEMENT. 

We  will  attempt  a  brief  review  of,  the  Events  that  turned  for 
a  short  space  the  tide  of  invasion  against  our  haughty  invaders, 
who  had  come  with  all  their  boasted  paraphernalia  of  war  to  put 
the  last  traces  of  the  rebellion  under  their  merciless  tread,  little 
dreaming  that  the  despised  perpetrators  of  that  rebellion  would 
ever  tread  so  far  upon  their  own  precious  soil,  striking  terror  into 
the  hearts  of  the  powerful  North.  Fruitless  as  this  short  and  inde- 
cisive campaign  may  be  regarded  in  its  immediate  results,  yet 
when  duly  considered  will  go  far  to  make  up  events  that  will  con- 
tribute to  the  prestige  of  our  arms,  and  will  add  additional  glory 
to  our  former  achievements. 

After  the' grand  rebuke  administered  to  the  Federals  at  Chan- 
cellorsville,  our  army  lay  scarce  four  short  weeks,  recuperating 
around  the  hard  trodden  hills  of  old  Spottsylvania,  until  it  was  to 
take  up  the  line  of  inarch  to  distant  fields.  The  enemy  still  lay  on 
the  opposite  bank  of  the  Rappahannock,  recruiting  his  shatti 
columns, 'occasionally  making  a  spasmodic  demonstration  with  his 
long  range  guns  on  Lee's  front. 

In  consideration  of  the  unwilling  leral  commander 

in  assume  offensive  operations,  General  Lee  proposed  to  iriau 
rate  a  movement  that  would  draw  him  from  hie  old  upapprou 
able  position  at  Fredericksburg,  as  he  b<  >'   in  his 

ial  papei 

"  The  position  occupied  by  the  enemy  opposite  Fr<  d<  ricksburg 
being  one  in  which  he  could  not  be 

determined  to  draw  him  from  it.  The  execution  ol  this  purp 
embraced  the  r<  lief  of  the  Shi  h  valley  from  tl  i 

occupii  d  the  lowe/  pari  of  it  during  the  wint<  I,  if 

practicabje,  the  transfer  of  the  hostilities  oortb  of  the 

Potomac 


I 

The  movement  actuated  by  these  considerations  began  by  mov- 
ing up  I.  ind  E well's  corps  to  Calpeper  C.  H.,  reacbing 
this  point  on  the  8th  of  Jane.  "  Get  •  ral  Jenkins  with  his  cavalry 
had  been  ordered  toward  Winchester  to  cooperate  with 
the  infantry  in  the  proposed  expedition  into  the  lower  valley,  and 
at  tin-  same  time  Greneral  Imboden  was  direeted  with  his  com* 
mand  to  make  a  demonstration  in  the  direction  of  Romoey,  in 
order  to  cover  a  movement  againsl  Winchester,  and  prevent  the 
enemy  at  that  place  from  bejrig  reinforced  by  the  troops  on  tho 
line  of  lhe  Baltimore  and  Ohio  Railroad."  Both  these  offi 
in  their  respectiv  us  before  the  movement  commenced  from 
Calpeper  C.  H. 

On  the  10th  of  June  Ewell's  corps  were  placed  under  inarching 
orders,  and  moved  up  the- south  side  of  the  Blue  Ridge,  crossed  al 
Front  Royal,  and  passed  on  to  Millwood.  Here  llhodes'  division 
was  despatched  to  Berryville.  General  Ewell,  with  the  divisions 
of  Johnston  and  Early,  moved  Btraight  on  to  Winchester,  and  he 
appeared  suddenly  before  the  place  on  thy  evening  ol  the  13th  of 
June. 

Winchester,  the  preliminary  object  of  the  opening  campaign, 
had  beeii  occupied  and  held,  since  our  evacuation  the  Tall  before, 
by  a  Yankee  garrison,  under  the  notorious  Milroy,  who  had  been 
carrying  a  high  hand  in  the  valley,  where  his  thieving  brigades 
had  ventured,  making  indiscriminate  war  upon  helpless  women 
and  children,  carrying  off  all  the  negroes  and  household  property 
of  loyal  eiti/eiis.  and  hail  ako  iruelly  burned  down  several  dwell- 
in--  of  those  who  had  sent  their  negroes  South  before  his  regime. 
and  failed  to  produce  them  in  accordance  with  a  certain  abolition 
proclamation  he   had   issued  to  the  people  of  his  military  district.* 

*  Iii  one  Instance  he  demand*  Colston,  a  wealthy  and  highly  respectable 

citizen  of  Frederick  County,  to  return  his  refugeed  negroes  within  a  specified  time, 
which  was  an  impossibility.  A  party  was  accordingly  sent  to  burn  his  dwelling.  On 
reaching  the  place  they  found  Mrs.  Colston  <  onfined  to  bed  in  a  precarious  situation, 
enabled  tcTbe  moved  without  endangering  her  life.  The  officer  in  charge,  being  some- 
what of  a  humane  disposition,  returned  without  accomplishing  his  purpose,  and  re- 
ported the  circumstance  to  his  unnatural  master,  who  placed  him  immediately  under 
arrest,  ami  commissioned  a  ruffian  character  to  carry  out  the  brutal  order,  who  re" 
paired  at  once  to  the  place.  An  elderly  lady  being  the  only  attendant  on  the  helpless 
woman,  plead  in  vain  ;  the  torch  was  applied  without  attempting  to  remove  the  poor 
woman,  and  it  was  with  the  utmost  difficulty  that  the  old  holy  could  prevail  upon  one  of 
the  party  to  assist  in  moving  her  out  upon  her  eOueli  before  the  flames  reached  her 
chamber. 


Hampton's  cavalry.  95 

This  modern  autocrat,  deeming  bis  location  here  permanent,  had 
his  delectable  family' brought  out,  and  pompously  condemned  the 
best  furnished  house'in  the  place  to  their  use,  driving  out  the 
former  occupant,  sending  him  a,nd  his  interesting  family  adrift 
upon  the  told  charities  of  the  world,  thus  reveling  in  the  ease  and 
luxury  contributed  by  the  former  owner.  Mrs.  General  Milroy 
certainly  had  ill-forebodings,  as  from  time  to  time  she  selected  the 
best  furniture  and  had  it  shipped  to  hei»home  in  Pennsylvania. 

In  the  meantime  this  •modern  satrap  had  proceeded  to  secure  his 
authority  over  this  defenceless  region  by  erecting  an  extensive  line 
of  fortifications,  frowning  down  with  a  full  complement  of  field  and 
siege  gUns  on  the  approaches  to  the  place.  Surrounded  by  this 
strong  cordon  of  massive  forts,  this  vain  military  hauteur  confi- 
dently boasted  in  devilish  sentimentality,  "That  he  icould  stay  here 
till  hell  froze  over,  and  then  fight'  across  on- the  ice!'J  But  in  all  such 
fancied  human  security,  verily  "  Man  proposes,  and  God  disposes." 

The  sudden  appearance  of  Ewell's  troops  thus  before  Winches- 
ter, precipitated  the  Yankee  garrison  in  the  wildest  excitement; 
couriers  aroused  from  their  cozy  shades  were  seen  spurring  from 
post  to  post;  bodies  of  troops  were  hurried  out  in  different  direc- 
tions. The  self-conceited  commander  had  dismissed  the  reports  of 
his  flying  pickets,  and  treated  the  affair  'as  a  guerilla  excursion. 
So  much  so  was  he  lulled  in  this  opinion,  that  his  skirmishers  were 
met  by  Nichols'  Louisiana  brigade  (the  advance  of  the  corps) 
nearly  at  the  skirts  of  the  place,  and  after  a  short  skirmish,  they 
were  driven  back  into  the  town.  Johnston's  division  moved  im- 
mediately up  and  took  position  on  the  road  near  Shawnee  Springs, 
throwing  his  line  of  skirmishers  forward,  corresponding  to  the  ene- 
my's. Early's  division  following  Jojn*ton  to  within  a  mile  of  his 
position,  deflected  from  the  road  to  the -left;  obliquing  across  the 
fields,  reached  the  valley  turnpike  near  Kernstown,  encountering 
and  driving  in  a  small  picket  force  of  the  enemy:  crossed  this 
road  obliquing  still  further  to  the  left,  bearing  round  the  Etomney 

turnpike,  gained  the    left   flank  of  flu-   enemy's  sf geBl   work. 

Skirmishing  in  front  and  on  the  flanks.  Early  Bwung  >till  further 
round  to  the  left,  and  at  night  gained  fairly  the  rear  of  the  works. 
Thus  night  closed  with  all  the  point.-  on  the  Bputh,  east,  and  west 
closely  invested,  <>n  tie  next  morning,  1  1th.  the  formidable 'works 
mi  Early's  front,  thai  he  bad  \  ftjt,  had  I  tted 

during  the  night.     From  this  point  he  opened  at  01  the 


96  om 

of  the  iy,  which  w  isponded 

thunderii  Iy,  and   als  i  paying  hia  compliments  to 

the  t"V  ■  '   - ;  inded  to  the  fire 

:y  at  intervals.     Throughout   the  day  the  artillery  g   \.   venl 

ontinnaJ  belchings,  intermingled  with  occasional  volley  a  of 
small  arm-  as  onr  forces  would  press  the  lines  of  investment 
until  late  in  the  evening.     G<  rly's  division  was  placed   in 

position  lor  an  assault  upon  the  enemy's  works.* during  an  interval 
of  incessant  cannonading,  forming  the  brigades  in  echelon,   with 
I.  luisiana  brigade  in  ad)  !  S  lith's  Virginia  brfgade 

supporting,  swung  round,  and  amid  the  excitement  of  the  heavy 
caunonading  the)  I  ii       ining  the  rear  of  the  main  fortifi- 

in,  in  which  the  enemy  had  i  mcentrated  his  best  guns,  and 
glided  quietly  un  I  brushwood  to  within  a  few  pa< 

ol  the  works, and  then  charged  with  an  alacrity  so  characteristic  of 
these  troops,  rushing  over  the  works,  carried  them  at  the  point  of 
the  bayonet,  capturing  the  entire  garrison  with  an  inconsiderable 
This  position  commanded  the  whole  line  of  works,  which 
were  evacuated  after  dark.  General  Ewell  anticipating  this  event, 
in  the  meantime  senl  Johnston's  livision  round  to  the  rightj  and  by 
means  of  byways  gained  a  point  four  miles  nortb  ol  Winchester  on 
a  road  leading  to  Harper's  Perry,  just  in  time  to  intercept  a  la 
body  of  the  escaping  n;  quietly  maintaining  this  position, 

roll  after  roll  of  the  fugitives  i  ame  pouring  into  the  nicely  inter* 

d   meshes,  b welling  the  list    to   three   thousand.     Early  had 
captured  aronnd  the  forte  some  two  thousand.     General  Jenkins1 
tituting  the  advance  of  Swell's  corps)  were  si  nt  on  in 
further  pursuit,  catching  up  numbers  flying  6n  the  way  :  but  none 
of  the  batches   produced  A.  ir  i  i  chid',  who,  as  the  affair 

turned  out,  uol  waiting  to  d<  b  aufn    der,  or  even  to  con- 

duct the  retreat,  bul  doffing  his  glittering  regimentals,  and  Scotch 
cap  and  cloak  like,  exchanged  them  for  an  humbler  garb,  obtained 

tide,  and  then  be  twees,  sun-  put  spurs  with  an  elan  that  even 
outdistanced  bis  trim  itives,  trailing  through  ytood 

and  glen,  clamberiug  up  hills  and  winding  through  vales  in  a  man- 
ner that  would  brtve  done  credit  to  the  wildesl  gray-fo?  of  the 
mountains;  and  instead  of  i  ng  his  bombastesfurioso  assertion 

of  maintaining  Ids  darling  position  "till  hell  fro: \<v."  etc.,  etc., 

from  the  manlier  of  bis  wihd-splitting  flight,  one  would  rather  sup- 
that  the  Prince  of  Tartarus  had  failed  in  the  freezing  contract, 


Hampton's  cavalry.  105 

when  both  parties  mutually  rush  to  occupy  the  disputed  point, 
but  the  enemy  succeed  in  reaching  it  first,  and  pours  into  our 
ranks  such  an  effective  fire,  already  being  sadly  thinned, as  to  com- 
pel us  to  retire  ;  but  on  rallying  again,  the  enemy  arc  forced  to 
yield,  and  leave  us  the  hotly  contested  point.  The  enemy's  lines 
are  again  steadied,  and  the  battle  rages  with  Increasing  fury;  the 
enemy  gives  back,  stubbornly  contesting  every  inch  of  ground ; 
late  in  the  evening  his  reserves  come  up.  our  columns  steadily 
press  on,  throwing  the  whole  force  slowly  back.  In  advancing,  a 
space  is  left  uncovered  between  Early's  and  Rhodes'  divisions; 
the  enemy  attempt  to  take  advantage  of  it  and  throw  a  heavy 
force  at  the  point,  when  the  flank  of  one  of  the  divisions  is 
wheeled  and  deploys  around, while  the  other  obliques  to  its  front 
and  turns  upon  it  with  a  fury  truly  grand ;  they  rush  upon  the 
menacing  force  with  yells  above  the  battle-roar,  and  closing  round 
it,  the  whole  force  surrenders,  numbering  about  four  thousand,  be- 
sides leaving  the  space  strewn  with  the  dead,  and  several  pieces 
of  artillery  also  falling  into  our  hands.  Here  the  tide  was  signally 
turned  against  the  enemy — he  was.  by  night,  beaten  and  driven 
before  our  columns  with  terrible  slaughter.  Our  forces  pur- 
sued him  aYnile  beyond  the  town,  and  nothing  but  night  saved 
his  columns  from  an  entire  and  complete  rout;  leaving  General 
Reynold-,  one  of  their  best  officers,  dead  on  the  field — five  thou- 
sand killed  and  wounded,  six  thousand*  prisoners,  and  several 
pieces  of  artillery.  Our  loss  did  not  exceed' two  thousand,  mostly 
in  wounded.  General  Archer  and  five  hundred  of  his  brigade  were 
captured.  Many  valuable  field  and  line  officers  were  killed. 
Among  those  who  nobly  fell  that  desperate  evening,  in  no  feelii 
of  partiality  allow  us  to  drop  a  tribute  to  the  memory  oi  Major  E. 
A.  Ross,  of  the  11th  (B(  the])  North  Carolina  Regiment,  a  promis- 
ing young  officer.  At  a  point  where-  the  battle  was  raging  d 
furiously,  this  regiment  <  iing  on  unquailiag  in  the  face  of  a 

fearful    iron  and    leaden    storm,  when    the    colonel    fell1  severely 
wounded,  be  dashes  to  hia  place,  and  in  gallantly  leading 
on   in    the  di  mortal    wound   and    falls, 

shouting  bis  men  on  to  victory.     !n  the  first  battle 
he  had  won  his  maiden  laurels.     With  "  Bethel  "  emblazoned  upon 


•The  «i'li  a  con 

to  the  bappj  fortua  » «f  1    U 

14 


ental  flaj  State,  he  bad  it  wave 

soil  of  li  ~    ite.* 

Jl. uit   olh  tattered   folds   wore 

wavering   over   the  lir~t    victory  in   the    enemy'*    land,  gloriously 

dying  "with  ?\  upon  his  lips  and  the  blaze  of  victory 

in  bi  •  ps  his  long  uleep  on  the  enemy's  soil  ;  and 

do  fanatical  I  -     the  sacred   Bod   upon  his  bosom'. 

when  the  final  shout  of  spiritual  victory  ''shall  swell  land  and 

"  liny  his  nobla  spirit,  and  the  many  others  who  have  died  for 

human  liberty*, go  ap  washed  in  the  blood  of  Him  who  died  for  the 

spiritual  liberty  of  mankind. 

Another  incident  connected  with  the  same  regiment  is  worthy 

of  notice,  as  a  grand  comment  upon  the  rare  devotion  to  6ur  cause. 

In  tl  •■rate  charge, just  before  the 

young  hero  fell,  the  color-bearer  was  killed  while  nobly  waving  the 

colors   in   front  of  the   regiment  ;  at  which  event    the   regiment 

r.     The   Adjutant,  Lieutenant    11.  Lucas,  a  mere 

boy,  caught  up  the  colors,  and  amid   the  leaden  showers  ffom  the 

heavy  lines,  dash<  -  ahead,  waving  the  Favo- 

ounting,  calling  on   the  men:    'For  God's  sake,  follow  the 

Bethel   flag."    The  words  had  scarcely  escaped  his  lips,  when  a 

fatal  hall  -ends  him,  too,  reeling  to  the  ground.    The  men  catch 

the  inspiration,  and  rush   by  as  be  faintly  throw.-  the  colors  again 

np   to  the  breeze,  and  shouts  with   faltering  voi<  /"      row  to 

I'm  played  out."    Buffi ce   it    to  say.  this  gallant  chi 
contributed  in  do  small  d<  ol  issue  of  the  day. 

Ti.  had  lerii-  d  to  a  high  range  of  hills  a  mile  south-east 

<.t   the  town,  and  there,  during  the  night,  had  concentrated  the  en« 
tire  force  of  hit  army.    From  Marsh'  Creek,  south  of  Gettysburg, 
.    unbroken  and  continuous  eminence,  extending   for  sev- 
eral   miles    around    to    the    DOTth-eust — the    principal    of  which    is 

known:-   M   r  n's  heights — which  highly  advantageous  line 

Ie  had  occupied,  and  had  thrown  op  several,  lilies  of  fortifica- 
tions on  tne  different  heights;  which  commanded  the  plains  for 
miles  iii  front.  The  enemy's  lines  -  ^tending  his  left  from  an  emi- 
nence a  short  distance  from  a  point  on  Marsh  Creek,  embracing 
the  heights  in  front  of  Gettysburg — his  left  resting  near  Hunti  rs- 
town — something  in  the  shape  ol  an  arc,  with  the  curvature 
from  u.-. 

^% * 

•    The  buttle  Of  Whit*  Hull,  N.  0. 


Hampton's  cavalry.  107 

The  remainder  of  Ewell's  and  A.  P.  Hill's  corps  having  arrive^, 
and  two  divisions  of  Longstreet's,  the  preparations  for  the  attack 
were  completed  about  two  o'clock.  Our  lines  were  drawn  round 
to  correspond  with  the  enemy's.  Longstreet,  with  the  divisions  of 
Hood  and  McLaws,  on  the  right ;  Hill  in  the  centre,  with  Heath's 
division  on  his  right,  Anderson  in  the  centre,  and  Pender  on  hie 
left;  and  Ewell  on  the  left,  with  Rhodes'  division  on  his  right, 
Johnston  in  his  centre,  and  Early  on  his  left;  with  each  respect- 
ive division  moving  up  on  the  most  favorable  position.  Sharp  and 
heavy  skirmishing-,  intermingled  with  frequent  shots  from  long 
range  pieces,  was  kept  Up  between  the  parties  until  about  four 
o'clock,  when  the  dull,  increasing  booming  of  the  cannon  from' 
each  line,  announced  the.  battle  begun.  Steadily  our  lines  move 
forward,  driving  the  enemy's  heavy  skirmish  lines  back  against  his 
first  lines  at  the  bottom  of  the  slopes.  The  incessant  pounding  of 
artillery  along  the  entire  length  of  each  line,  commingled  with 
the  continuous  rattle  of  musketry,  told  that  the  bloody  work  had 
now  opened  in  earnest.  Amid  this  steady  work,  a  shout  goes  up 
above  the  battle's  din  ;  a  charge  breaks  From  the  centre  ;  an  ad- 
vanced battery  of  t lie  enemy  in  a  point  of  woods  up  one  of  the 
slopes,  is  the  point.  Anderson's  division  moves  up  to  the  work, 
Wright's  brigade  leads  the  way.  On  they  dash,  in  a  style  truly 
grand — through  an  open  field,  both  in  the  face  of  rtie  fire,  of  the 
battery  immediately  in  front  and  the  converging  fire  from  batteries 
on  the  right  and  left — sweeping  through  their  bleeding  ranks  ; 
shells  bursting  thick  in  wild  fury  fill  the  air,  and  solid  shot  pl< 
along  in  its  monotone  sound,  and  grape  and  canister  belched  forth 
in  deathly  sweeps,  all  with  tearful  effect,  on  the  rapidly  advancing 
columns ;  and  as  they  Dear,  quick  and  incessant  discharges  Leap  from 
the  enemy's  fust  Line,  terribly  thinning  our  ranks.  With  a  ~t< 
onward  they  are  furiously  hurled  back  .'it  the  point  of  our  bayoi 
leaving  the  battery  ol  six  pieces  in  our  hand-:  and  the  enemy 
driven  from  a  strong  position.  Only  lor  ;i  tew  moments  these  no- 
ble veterans,  now  a  thinni  d  handful.  •  ho  the  shout  ol 
tory.  The  unusual  celerity  with  which  the  i 
placed  them  tar  beyond  tie-  supj  with  then  flanks 

entirely    exposed.      T 

Intely  throws  a  darkened  mas*  on  their  right  and  left.     Oh;. 
rappoi  t.     Behind  conld  i  !  nl  the 

of  the  terrible  onset       I  Us!  the  g 


ROM 

t— the  much  d  reach  at  the  criti- 

They  •  .llcnly.  fighting  their"  way  down  the 

hill,  their  lines  to  the  other  division.     The  battle  l 

little  advantage  at  I  ither  party. 

In  front  'of  General   L  I    the  enemy   held   an   elevated 

ind.     He  in  the  raeai  '.  moved  his  troops  to  attack  the 

ition,  while  Ewell  attacked  the  fortified  high  ground  on  the 
lay's  right.     The  battle,  I  with  unrelenting  fury  on 

their  Urn        \   -lit  comes  on  and  w<  irs  on  Jtill  tire  can- 

's continuous  roar,  and  the  I  rattle  of  musketry,  especi* 

ally  on  tin-  right  ami  left,  arc  kepi  up.     Some  splendfd  char 

have  1 11  executed  from  these  parts  of  the  line,  and  with  g 

>r  following  the  sound  ess  broods  over  the  terrible 

scene,  it   is  clearly  perceivable  thai   the  two  curves  and  points  of 
the  arc  are  being  brought  closer  and  closer  together.     Longstreet 
lias  driven  the  enemy  a  considerable  distance,  and  occupies  the 
ired  ground  in  his  front;  Ewell,  too,  has  |  liim  back  on 

the  left.  By  this  impressioq  on,  the  enemy's  extremes,  his  position 
snmed  the  shape  of  the  letter  V.  with  its  point  towards  us. 
A.bou1  eight  o'clock  the  awful  storm  ceased,  which  lulled  as  sud- 
denly as  the  Tiberian  storm,  as  if  by  the  mutual  consent  of 
hostile  parties;  The  battle  smoke  slowly  cleared  away,  and  the 
clear  sky  looKed  down  upon  the  battle-rent  field,  The  gay  waver* 
ing  field  of  grain  now  lay  trampled  under  foot,  bespattered  with 
human  gore  ;  gently  gliding  rivulets  mingled  their  murinurings 
with  the  cries  and  groans  of  the  wounded  and  dying — of  friend 
and   foe  that  lay  stretched  along  their  green  hanks.    The  stars 

peered  out   and  Bhone  brightly  u| the  awful  scene,  kissing  the 

many  cold,  pah-  faces  that  lay  ov<  i  the  ensanguined  held. 

The  brave  and  intrepid  Barksdale,  of  Mississippi,  fell  mortally 
wounded  in  the  last  cha  ith  the  enemy's*works,  and  was 

left  in  the  hands  of  the  enemj  ■•-  bis  men  were  forced  suddenly 
back  by  the  enemy's  overwhelming  numbers;  of  whom  a  lying 
Yankee  correspondent  palms  off  in  hellish  glee,  "that  this  once 
proud  and  haughtj  rebel,  s  damnable  type  of  the  slave  aristo- 
cracy, lay  the  picture  of  remorse,  aud  craved  as  a  dying  boon  a 
cup  of  water  and  a  stretcher  from  an  ambulance  hoy;"  when, 
really,  the  dying  moments  of  the  brave  and  generous  "»;|"  insured 
tin-  reaped  of  a  Yankee  officer,  who  testifies  of  the  glorious  man- 
ner of  his  death,  and  enjoined  noon  him  to  inform  his  friends  that 


HAMPTON'S   CAVALRY.  109 

t, 

"he  died  at  his  post,  fighting  for  his  country,  and  that  his  country- 
.  men  were  invincible."  Major  General  Hood  and  General  Pender 
were  severely  wounded,  leading  their  men  in  the  thickest  of  .the 
fight.  Many  gallant  officers  were  killed  and  wounded,  while  our 
general  loss  was  quite  heavy  all  along  the  entire  line. 

Friday  morning  dawned  ;  the  rising  s*un  cast  his  bright  morning 
rays  from  the  frowning  hilltops  upon  the  Confederates  below,  each 
party  early  busying  themselves  for  another  hostile  shock  tha]t  was 
to  mark  one  of  the  bloodiest  days  of  the  army  of  the  Potomac. 

The  partial  successes  of  the  day  before  encouraged  General  Lee 
to  renew  the  attack.  Longetreet  was  reinforced  with  three  brig- 
ades of  Pickett's  division,  and  Heath's  division  and  two  other  brig- 
ades of  Hill's  corps  were  ordered  round  to  his  support.  His  batte- 
ries were  advanced  to  the  position  gained  by  him  the  day  before. 
Hill  merely  lay  threatening  the  centre,  while  Ewell  again  set  his- 
command  in  motion  for  the  attack.  The  movements  on  the  other 
partsof  the  line  were  to  depend  on  Longstreet's  success.  Immedi- 
ately in  frcmt  of  Longstreet  lay  the  principal  height,  which  the 
enemy  had  strongly  fortified  during  the  night,  and  massed  a  large 
quantity  of  his  artillery,  from  which  every  movement  of  ours  was 
distinctly  seen,  and  he  prepared  to  meet  it*.  From  about  bine 
o'clock  the  slow  booming  of  the  cannon,  intermingled  with  tie- 
sharp  crack  of  the  skirmishers,  was  the  principal  feature  fill  about 
twelve,  o'clock,  the  morning  being  spent  in  manoBUvering  the 
troops  to  the  position-.  The  height-  in  front  lay  across  open 
fields  covered  with  growing  crops,  upon  which  Pickett's  division  is 
thrown  forward  and   moves  up  to  the  di  work,  which  is 

graphically  described  by  a  correspondent  ; 

''  The  fight  at  this  time  opened  with  that  fierceness  and  despera- 
tion which  told  that  both  were  battling  desperately  to  win  the 
victory  which    had    bee::  as  it  were  poising  in   the  balance. 

Favorable  information  comes  from   Ewell.     Mill   holds  them  in 
centre.     On  the  extreme  right  L  round: 

hill  on  the  right,  the  sti  hold  they  have,  must   be  carried. 

The  undertaking  to  cany  it  by  isoaull  ie  irdous,  but  tl 

is  no  other  The  hill   i~  alive  with  men  lour  I 

deep  in  support  of  the  powerful  )■ » 1 1 <  ri<  -  there.    Tin-  point  is  the 
key  to  the  position  of  th  d  army — their  for tifii  mutt 

be  charg   d,  and  with  the  support  ol   our  artillery  we  moaf 
their  batteries,  and  i  ai  ry  their  heights. 


lin  sKFTcnr^  rr.oM 

irk.    They  commence 
.■lily,  and  in  beautiful  line,  I  h  upofl  the  fatal  spot.     1 

with  the  yell  and  rush  thai  gene- 
rail)  T  -  "ii  through  fields,  over 
and  ditches.     Tl  all  our  movements,  and 
ire  double-quicked  dp  to  mee!   as.     Our  noble  boys  ch 
on  through  Bhol  end  shell,  their  ranks  melting  away  as  they  ad- 
vance under  the  murderous  artillt  enemy.     Our  artil- 
lery performs  excellently.     The  batteries        I         II;,  Haskell,  Alex- 
ander of  this        .             P     ram  of  Hill's,  at  one  time  almost  sil< 
those  of  the   enemy.    Their  three   rear   ranks   are   broken   and 
almost  annihilated  by  the  well  dm  i  ted  6re  of  these  batteries  ; 
press  to  within  forty  yards  of  their  breastworks,  when  lived 
from  their  concealed  front  rank  a  6re.  the  mention  of  which  almost 
makes  the  heart  sicken.     Surely  none  can  escape  ;  all  must  perish 
before  Buch  a  murderous  volley. 

"Not  10.  Out  men  rise,  many  wounded,  from  the  cloud  of 
Bmoke,  and  press  on  with  their  ranks  sadly  thinne/1 ;  £ome  reach 
the  breast  works  and  capture  many  of  the  guns.  A.  dark  cloud  of 
Yankees  Bhow  themselves;  thej  have  been  heavily  reinforced 
with  infantry  and  artillery.  What  «n  awfu]  moment !  Where  are 
our  reinforcements?  What  a  momentous  question.  Alasl  we  have 
none  at  hand!    They  ha^  too  slow.    No  help  at   hand,  and 

we  are  driven  out  ol  the  fortifications  and  forced  back  by  over* 
w  helming  numbei 

These  noble  men  retire  beneath  the  enemy's  breastworks.  The 
eneiii\  iii  some  instances  attempt  to  follow,  hut  are  hurled  hack 
with  terrible  BlHUghter  and  chased  into  their  works. 

Ewell  has  pressed  the  enem\  hard  on  the  left,  hie  whole  line 
charging  simultaneously  with  thai  of  the  right,  driving  the  anoov* 
I  columns  ol  the  enemy  before  him,  who  have  attempted  a  de- 
moostration  on  Liia  Hank.  They  are  driven  back  to  their  works, 
and  are  assaulted  with  a  buy  Beldora  ever  witnessed.  The  firsl 
line  i<  carried  about  dark,  and  a  '  eavj  line  in  front  of  the  second 
work  meets  the  second  01  ur  impetdous  troops.     Their  furi- 

ous vol;.  or  "in-  column-,  who  with  q  renewed  yell  press  on. 

The  flashes  of  the  gure  of  each  line  Dearly  reach  each  other.  A 
heavy,  darkening  mass  oC  reinforcements  move  down  upon  our 
thinned  ranks;  they  are  forced  to  relinquish  their  hard  earned 
toils;  they  tall   back,  sheltering  themBelvea  behind  the  shelving 


Hampton's  cavalry.  ■         111 

rocks  along  the  slopes,  and  stand  and  6ght  in  parties,  firing  in  the 
darkness  at  the  flashes  of.  the  enemy's  volleys,  until  in  many  in- 
stances their  ammunition  is  exhausted,  or  they  are  Hanked  and 
captured. 

Here  in  one  of  these  last  charges  occurred  one  of  the  gr 
little  episodes  of  the  war.  In  the  darkness-  during  the  charge,  the 
Sixth  North  Carolina,  Eighth  and  Ninth  Louisiana  Regiments, 
many  of  them  found  themselves  mingled  with  the  Yankee  col- 
umns. Some  surrendered,  and  others  with  great  coolness  glided 
Out  in  the  darkness,  and  made  their  way  down  to  the  foot  of  the 
heights,  where  Captain  W.  B.  Montgomery,  of  the  Ninth  Louis- 
iana, accidentally  ran  against  the  color  bearer  of  the  Sixth  North 
Carolina,  who  had  safely  borne  his  colors  out  of  the  terrible  melee, 
and  rallied  .some  broken  squads  around  it  to  the  number  of  not 
nmre  than  fifty  men,  and  posted  them  behind  a  stone  fence  about 
forty  yards  from  the  base  of  the  hill.  The  Yankee  column,  about 
a  brigade,  thrown  forward  from  the  heights,  were  hastily  moving 
down  the  hill  towards  the  position  where  the  little  squad  lay;  on 
they  come  with  heavy,  hurrying  step,  the  whole  brigade  moving  in 
three  or  four  lines.  Not  a  gun  has  broken  the  silence  for  several 
minutes.  The  field  officers,  mounted  on  horseback,  wen'  riding  up 
and  down  the  advancing  lines,  in  low  times  encouraging  th<  ir  men 
to  keep  steady,  and  to  make  one  more  charge  and  the  day  would 
be  theirs.  With  unsuspecting  tread  they  have  reached  within 
forty  paces'  of  the  fence,  when  the  Cool,  intrepid  captain  whis- 
pered, "fire,  boys."  The  unerring  flashes  leap  along  the  .-tone 
fence,  terribly  dealing  death  in  the  enemy's  advancing  ranks  ; 
many  of  the  tinsel  chid  riders  bite  the  dust,  as  riderless  horsee 
seen  dashing  wildly  indifferent  directions;  quick,  su<  vol- 

l  witn  the  same  fatal  effecl  -    their  coin 

cover  from  the  fii>t  shock  ;  the  contused  ranks  bi  theastotn 
break  in  disorder  back  up  the  nonntains.  leaving  their  d< 
wounded  behind  them.     The  ground  was  found  strewn  with   I 
dead,  among  them  Beveral  field  ot  I  illant  little  ps 

safely  made  its  way  back  and  joined  their  sj.>lumn   on  the 
lines,  who  to  their  country's  pride  may  well  claim  the  I  fir- 

ing the  las!  gun,  and  administering  the  last  repulse  on  th< 
gained  field  ol  Gettj  - 

her  remarkable  incident  thai 
last   charg<  -,'is  wort  ' 


I 12 

I  lompany 

obly  borne  his  in  the  last  of  these  desperate 

charges.     A  g  li i n i -•  •  1 1  cut   off  from  his  regiment, 

fter  severs]  ineffectual  attempt  at  with  his  colerai  he 

lay  down  behind  a  ks,  detached  the  colors  from  the 

tied   them  in  In-  bosom  just  as  he  surrendet 
During  the  night  he  pn   *  I  quilted  it  in  tin-  hack 

of'  his  shirt.  f)(      ware,  au'd  kept   it   OOBCealed 

all  the  while   from   tin'  guard  and   tin-  numerous  deti  that 

.-warm  the  prison.     II'-  ■  i  !  returned  tne 

identical  "hi  bunting  to  i  who  have  laid  it  up  as  one  of 

the  sapred  relics  oi  tip-  war:  riddled  and  torn,  it  associates  with 
it  h11  tin-  hard  fought   battles  of  the  army  of  Virginia*     1' 
to  this  -all  tnt  regiment  on  leaving  home,  by  the  fair  daughters  of 
Louisiana,  and  consecrated  by  the  blood  of  its  noble  defend) 
may  it  yet  wave  over  men  worthy  of  freedom's  happiest  boon. 

Our  loss  in   this  ■!  ■;  ement  was  quite  heavy— G< 

Garnett  was  killed,  and  General-  Kemper  and  Afmistead  severely 

wounded.      The  enemy's  i  llso   heavy,  as  his  troops  at   i: 

points  were  crowded  on  the  hillsides  and  exposed   to  em-   terri 
artillery   lire,  which    evidenth    devoured   them,  by    the   wholesale, 
and  at   every  attempt  at  an  op<  n  assault  on  our  lines,  he  was 
punished  with  heavy  loss. 

Tin-  day'-  fight  ended  th<  ami  indecisive  battle  of  Get- 

tysburg. T!i'-  next  day,  Saturday,  the  4th,  our  troops  lay  on  the 
Bame  lines  "f  the  day  before,  the  enemy  continuing  in  our  front  far 
back  on  the  slopes  and  on  the  heights,  neither  party  making  any 
hostile  demonstration,  but  lay  all  day  in  easy  gunshot  <>f  each 
other.  Our  troops,  wearied  by  continual  watchings  and  fighting, 
but  not  dispirited',  lay  all  day  still  expeoting  again  to  hear  the  on- 
ward command  given.  And  why  was  it  not  given?  It  remains 
now  no  longer  a  secret.  The  three  days  fighting  had  so  hopeles 
reduced  our  ammunition,  that  a  renewal  of  the  engagement  could 
not  in-  hazarded,  which  is  now  established  by  the  evidence  of 
.  >■•  rij  ordnance  officeqjpt  the  army  ;  ami  besides,  t he  difficulty  ^i'  ob- 
taining  supplies  rendered  our  present  situation  exceedingly  criti- 
cal— -henee  ;i  r< it  movement  on  the  part  of  General  Lee 
one  absolutely  i  .  Be  commenced  withdrawing  his 
army  late  in  the  evening  of  the  1th.  and'"  the  rear  of  the  column 


Hampton's  cavalry.  97 

and  that  his  majesty  had  been  forced  to  plume  his  congenial 
companion  with  the  wings  of  hi*  own  Sable  personage,  that  he 
might  place  safety  between  his  own  precious  self  and  the  wary 
rebels. 

In  the  meantime  Rhodes'  division,  that  had  been  detached  at 
Millwood,  proceeded  directly  to  Berry  ville,  capturing  four  hundred 
prisoners  and  that  place,  pushed  on  to  Martinsburg  ;  entering  the 
latter  place  on  the  14th,  he  captured  seven  hundred  prisoners,  five 
pieces  of  artillery,  and  a  considerable  quantity  of  stores  ;  making 
the  total  of  these  operations  sum  up  six  thousand  one  hundred 
prisoners,  twenty-nine  pieces  of  artillery,  two  hundred  ami  8ev<  nty 
wagons  and  ambulances,  with  tour  Hundred  horses  and  mules,  and 
besides  a  large  amount  of  military  stores.  Our  loss  was  about 
fifty  killed  and  wounded.  Thus  was  wrested,  for  the  third  time, 
from, Yankee  grasp,  this  historic  point,  clearing  the  valley  to  our 
future  operations.  » 

In  viewing  the  happy  results  of  this  event,  it  evidently  bears 
prominent  traces'of  the  genius,  skill,  and  energy  that  were  so  char- 
acteristic of  the  late  lamented  leader  of  this  veteran  corps,  show- 
ing that  his  mantle  had  truly  fallen  upon  one  next  worthy  to  wear 
it.  The  skillful  and  successful  manoeuvering  ol  each  division  of 
the  corps,  and  the  nice  calculations  of  lime  and  chance  of  bringing 
each  into  its  respective  position  just  at  the  nick  of  time  to  meet 
the  emergency,  go,  indeed,  to  establish  that  the  wishes  of  our 
Dead  Jhin</re  have  not  been  misplaced  in  giving  a  leader  who  will 
1  his  own  old  glorious  i  orpa  "alter  his  owu  way." 

Longstreet  moved  from  Culpeper  Court  Bouse  on  the  15th, 
crossed  the  Blue  Ridge  nl  Ashby's  and  Snicker's  (laps,  (general 
Stuart,  with  his  cavalry,  moved  in  front  of  Longstreet  with  the 
brig  inson  and  Jones,  while  Hampton  was  thrown  fur- 

ther round  on  the  think  to  WRtch  the  movements  of  Hooker's 
inns  thai  were  dow  moving  up  from  Fredericksbui 

The  adv. live  of  General  Stuart— Jones'  and  Robinson's  brig- 
ades—moved   in    front    "I    Longstreet     '  i    !' :   »nl     l>'  •     il    and    then 

turned   to  the   right,  moving  down   to   M  in    Loudoun 

County,  ancj  met  a  I  •  of.  the  i  artillery 

on  Thursday  evening.  18th, moving  up  from  Aldte.     Late  in 
they  a|  1  Middlebui .  •<  skirmish  c 

menced  bel  hV  dismount*  d  skirmishers  ami   I 

uiehers   of  I  my,  which,  just  after  di  in   two 

18 


-     ;  the  <  me  distance,  killing; 

ii'l  captnrii  •  re.     The  enemy  ivaa 

night  :  our  l<  re  Withdrawn  to 

[is  tarn  the  villa 

morning  the  enemymoved  apiod  i  the  engagement,  which 

:  up  hotly  during  the  da\  betwi  i  n  the  dismounted  mei 

.  party,  with  o  artillery  at  intervals.    The  cool 

coarage  and  deadly  aim  of  tl  Carolinians  of  Robinson's 

brigade  held   in  c  I    Irove   back  largely  disproportionate 

numbers  of  the  enemy.     We  held  our  position  until  night  put  au 

end  i  Earl;   ori   Saturday  morning  Hampton's  brigade, 

which  had  come  up  late  tin'  previous  evening,  was  placed  on  the 

lines  in  front  of  Middleburg,  and  .Jon*'-  to  the  left,  and  lay 

all  day  in  li >f  battle  amid  a  dr<  nching  rain,  with  nothing  tirahs- 

piring  save   -  1   picket  Bring.     X  i :_c  1 1 1  wore  on,  the  soldier, 

.v.i  t  and  weary,  lay  with  bis  head  i»n   his  arm-,  in  trqubled   Bleep 
until  tin-  approaching  dawn.     Many  a  one  that   rose  from  his  wet! 
ruin'!:  that  gloomy  Sabbath  morn  was  soon  to  sleep  on  a  bloody, 
conch,  to  rise  no  more  till  the  dav  n  of  a  brighter  day. 
During  the  night   the  enemy  had  been  reinforced  with  a  lai 
ol  cavalry,  artillery,  and  several   brigades  of  infantry,  mov- 
ing up  nearer  our   lines  early  in   the  morning  under  rover  of  the 
heavy  timber  and  thick   fog.     (l   r  position  lay  two  miles  above 
MiddJebung,  m    i  l>     tor's  cross-      <!-.    The  ground  was  most  illy 
adapted  to  oavalry   purp  Dg  rolling  and   breaking  o£f  in 

ed  hills',  the  fields  chi  with  numerous  ston  and 

broken  by  rippling  runs,  jutted  on  each  side  by  rugged,  precipitous 
banks.  Our  line  lay  on  each  side  of  the  turnpike  leading  from 
Middleburg  to  Ashb       I  1  on  an  eminence  each  side 

of  the  pike  beyond  the  stone  brid  e  over  Rector 'b  JEtun.  Ilimp- 
t. m's  brigade  held  the  right,  sup po  ted  by  Robinson — the  left  by 
,i..i  es  and  the  i . 

AI"Uit  sunrise  II  •"-  artillery,  planted  in  the  mad,  opened  on 
the  heavy  lines  of  the  enemy's  advancing  skirmishers;  which 
elicited   a   vigorous  from    the  enemy's   batteries.     The 

sharpshooters  of  each  paoty  becan  ed,  hotly  at  it  they  went 

all  along  the  whole  line,  the  incessant  peals  resembling  the  work 
of  r  regular  battle.  Our  artillery  plunged  its  discharges  into  the 
advancing    ranks,  Qg  their   progress.     The  enemy  replied 

sullenly  and  slowly— telling,  however,  that  he  had  his  best  guns  to 


Hampton's  cavalry.  90 

bear  upon  us — blowing  up  one  of  our  caissons.  A  Btrong  column 
of  infantry  were  ascertained  to  be  moving  round  upon  Hampton's 
flank,  held  by  the  sharpshooters  of  the  First  North  Carolina  cav- 
alry, under  Captain  Win.  Houston,  who  after  a  stubborn  resistance 
were  outflanked  and  overpowered.  Captain 'Houston  fought  to 
the  last,  and  fell,  nobly  eticottraging  his  men-  a  braver,  fearless 
man,  a  truer  and  more  perfect  gentleman  never  liv. ■<}. 

Our  line  was  now  withdrawn  in  good  order  beyond  the  stone 
bridge,  and  loll  back  as  the  enemy's  infantry  column  gained  our 
Hanks:  now  from. hill  to  hill  disputing  his  advance,  principally  with 
our  artillery,  until  beyond  Goose  Creek,  where  all  our  artillery 
.were  massed  on  a  high  eminence  on  each  side  of  the  road,  when 
a  most  desperate' artillery  duel  was  kept  up  for  two  hour-.  Our 
artillery  unflinchingly  held  its  position  against  the  superior  odds 
of  the  enemy's  guns,  causing  him  frequently  to  shift  his  position. 
The  enemy  brought  up  and  massed  all  his  artillery  Upon  us.  num- 
bering thirty  pieces,  nearly  trebling  ours,  which  was  worked  with 
terrible  energy.  Hound  shot  went  ruthlessly  hurling,  ami  shell 
screaming  through  the  air — plowing  the  earth  up  for  yards — 
bursting  in'  the  air.  scattering  its  devilish  fragments  fearfully 
around — often  sending  both  horse  and  rider  reeling  t<>  the  ground. 
Finally  the  long,  heavy  lines  of  the  enemy's  forces  come  pouring 
down  the  turnpike  on  the  opposite  hill,  filing  out  through  the 
fields.  Our  well  charged  grape  and  canister  administer  freqtfc 
checks  to  his  progress,  while  the  well-directed  aim  of  our  sharp- 
shooters, who  lay  under  the  hill,  pour  volley  after  volley,  and 
waver  back  his  teeming  ranks. 

The  enemy's  old  flanking  process  causes  us 'again  to  withdraw 

and  take,  a  position  a  mile  further  back.  In  withdrawing  <>ur 
forces  back  through  the  Belds,  the  enemy  bad  got  his  artillery  in  a 
favorable  position,  from  which  we  were  <  I  to  an  awful  I 

eping  the  hills  with.  ]  canister,  while  shell  and  solid 

ball  cane  ling  in  storms  of  metal  hail  through  the  air,  laying 

many  a  horse  and  rider  Jow  i  neath.     Our 

batteries  took  position  on  the  last  em  Q         I  ttd 

opened  furiously,  silencing  tnsofthu 

this  position  toward-   (Jppervill* 
after  cr<  m  slmosl  «*■ 

itself  for  more  than  a  mile, 
clover,   skirte^l   on    tb  by    a    long   band    ol 


l  BO 

through  which  the  turnpike  i  the  farther  end  of  this  plain, 

slily  plowed  cornfield,  which 
-  the  Dpi  er  surface  quite  ;  on 

the  right,  open,  undulating  pasture   lands,  and  near  the  skin>  of 
the  toWi  '  enclosure  of  thick  undergrowth.     Uppen 

little  hamlet  at  tin-  junction  ol  tb<   Snicker's  and  Ashbys  (.laps 
Turnpik 

Our  artillery,  after  entertaining  the  enemy  lor  a  ahorl  time  from 
its  last  positiori,  were  withdrawn,  aud  the  whole  column  of  Samp* 
tun's  brigade  moved  ofl   directly  across  this  plain  to  th  the 

!.  and  tl  B  ibinson's,  J  I  the  L 

moved  to  the  right  through  1  field.     When  about  midway, 

of  this  plait      I         d  Smart  wheeled  the  columns  as  they* 
moving,  in  line  of  battle,  challenging  the  haughty  columns  of  the 
enemy  I  peo  field  fight,  who  were  moving   hi>  splendidly 

equipped  columns  with  exultant  Bhoi  the  eminence  wejiad 

vacated.     The  "rold   steel"  order  was  given,  wh'ich  ran  like 
tricily  down  the  whole  line,  brae  er  in  hi 

and  lighting  up  lus  eye  tor  the  coming  charge;  but  the  •  w  my,  not 

lepting  Stuart's  open  challenge,  filed  liis  columns  through  the 
band  of  woods,  and   halted,  moving  up   bis  infantry,  and   began 
sweeping  the   plaius  and  shelling  the  woods  with  his  Ion 
guns. 

The  commands  were  withdrawn  still  further  hack.  Robinson, 
.Junes,  and  the  Lees  to  the  skirts  of  [Jpperville —  the  former  occni 
pying  the  turnpike,  the  three  latter  the  space  round  to  and  on  the 
Snicker'*  Gup  road,  on  which,  too,  the  enemy  was  advancing. 
Bam p ton  moved  straigbi  serosa  the  plain  through  the  cornfield, 
moving  to  the  far  side  of  the  field.  The  enemy  evincing  a  dis] 
iiuii  to  press  us,  Hampton  wheeled  bis  men  to  receive  them,  when 
they  came  dashing  in  fine  Btyle  .;  u  .  Placing  the  Jeff.  Davis  ],<- 
gion  in  t'runt  un  the  edge  of  a  little  strip  of  woods  near  the  corn- 
field*, the  other  regiments  of  the  brigade  wen-  moved  back  a  short 
distance  near  an  orchard  at  tin-  skirte  of  the  town.  On  the  enemy 
dashed  against   tin-  JeflF,  o,  who  bore  up  nobly  sgainsl 

the  heavy  shuck.    The  First  North  Carolina  then  charged  in  - 

I    its    right,   while    the.  other    regiments   followed    in  the   same 
order    with    the    yell.      General    Hampton    at    the    head    rang    out, 

•  if  to  them,  my  foot*  boys,giix  if  tothemC    The  two  columns 

met  about  midway  in  the  cornfield — the  Confederates  with  sabre 


Hampton's  cavalry.  101 

alone  delved  into  the  Yankee  column,  the  enemy  meeting  them  for 
the  most  part  with  the  pistol*  popping  like  a  fired  canebrake;  but 
a  few  well  plied  surges  of  the  keen  blade  soon  told  who  were  tho 
masters  of  the  field  ;  bis  ranks  break,  and  arc  impetuously  hurled 
back  to  the  wood,  from  whence  they  had  emerged  from  his  infan- 
try.  who  were  strongly  posted  behind  a  stone  fence  in  anticipation 
of  Such  an  emergency,  who  opened  a  galling  fire  upon  ns,  in  conse« 
quence  of  which  we  retired,  bearing  off  a  Dumber  of  prisoner's,  bo 
■our  former  position.  Across  the  Bame  ground  another  fresh  column 
of  the  enemy  in  heavy  numbers  dashed  to  punish  our  succes.8.  The 
column  gallantly  wheels,  and  again  me tf them  on  the  same  Bpot,  and 
hand  to  hand  the  two  columns  plunge  fearfully  into  each  other. 
The  assault  is  again  met  with  the  shim-  happy  results,  and  1  lie- 
back  broken  arid  cringing  to  their  supports  in  the  woods,  who  too 
keep  up  a  galling  fire  upon  us,  leaving  the  ground  again  dotted 
with  blue  coats  and  several  prisoners  in'our  hands.  The  brigade 
is. formed  on  the  same  ground  for  another  onset,  but  the  foe  seemed 
satisfied  at  this  open  game,  and  did  not  venture  again  on  this  part 
of  the  field  from  under  his  darling  supports,  but  contented  himself 
by  bringing  up  his  artillery  and  raking  the  plains  with  a  palling 
tire.  Under  these  unfavorable  circumstances  the  command  was 
withdrawn,  bearing  off  all  our  wounded  and  prisoners.  In  the 
meantime  that  part  of  the  field  on  the  right  of  the  road  was  boldly 
assaulted,  and  for  a  short  time  the  enemy  gained  some  little  advan- 
s,  but  by  bold  and  desperate  charges  made  by  the  North  Caro- 
lina and  Virginia  brigades,  the  enemy  were  repulsed,  leaving  the 
ground  covered  with  his  killed  and  wounder),  and  capturing  many 
prisoners.     Our  loss  in  killed  Mid  wounded  jn  th< 

was   quite   sev<  re,  mostly  in  wounded,  among    th'iii   g  ane  \ 
officers!     Colonej  P.  G.   E vast,  of  the  Fifth   North   Carolina,  tell 
mortally  wounded  while  leading  his  men  in  one  of   those  d< 
charges.     N     wa>  a  most  gallant  and  _       icer. 

Although  the  enemy  fought  us  with  largely  superior  numbers 
and  advantage  in  infant ry,  the  loss  inflicted  upon  them  in  I 

much  larger  than  our-  in   kilh  d   nnd  w 
sides  the  pri  I  iki  d.     AJtbough  Btuaii  met  the  numl 

were  brought  to  be.  i(   him,  he  finally,  by  superior  coui 

and   hard  fightii  I  in  repulsing  them,  thus   foil 

enemy  in  his  tin]  mission  ol   m  '  i 

in    the   i.  ir  army,  which  v 


v  puzzlii  authi  ril  -  M      I  v  morn* 

tnraed  u  iy,  who  retre  ited  rapidly  before  him.  aid 

>ut  bringing  them  to  ao 

innection  with  tl  -  another  spirited  and  suc- 

iful  little  affair  o  The   Phillips  Legion,  u  Major 

trucked,  had  been  left   behind  th  le  on  detached  duty,  and 

were  moving  up  to  overtake   the  command.     On  the  21st,  al  New 
a  irrentoo  turnpike,  the   legion  me1  a   body  of 
kee  'i\  ilry,  largely  superior  to  bis  force, who  bad  deployed  in 
line  by  ?-« ni;n 1 1 < >; i  to  r<  eeive  liim.     M   j  ir  Pucked  advanced  his  little 
command  by  fours,  and  gallantly  daubed  upon  tfaem  hand  to  hand. 
w  Rlrioi  broke  1 1 1 . - i t-  lines,  and  In-  Bent  them  bel- 

ter ^krlt.r  before  him  in  wild  confusion,  killing  and  woundin 
number,  and  capturing  thirty-five  prisoners  with  their  equipments, 
with  .1  \  •  the  I       'ii. 

The  following  i-  General  Lee's  official  notice  of  these  operations: 
"The  cavalry, und  al  Stuart,  was  thrown  out   in  trout  of 

i.     _      eel  to  watch  the  enemy.  re|  orted  to  l>e  moving  in  Loudoun. 
On  the  17th  his  cavalry  encounten  I  two  brigades  of  ours,  under 
eral  Stuart,  near  Al-Ile.  and   was  driven   back  with  loss, 
day  th<  aenl  was  .  •  I       I'    lei   I  o  ivalry  being 

strongly  supported  by  infanti  General  Stuart  was  in  turn 

compelled  to  retire. 

T      enemy  advac  ir  aa  UpperviUe,  and  then  fell  hade. 

In  these  engagements  General  Smut  took  about  tour  hundred 
prisoners  and  a  considerable  Dumber  of  horses  and  arms/' 

How  the  course  of  events :  in  the  meantime  General  Ewell 
had  crossed  the  Potomac,  part  ol  bis  cor]  ungat  Williams* 

port  and  pai  -   i  pherdstown,  and  re-united  al  Bagerstc^wn'  oa 

the  20th.  Jenkins1  cavalry  had  been  thrown  forward  scouring  the 
country  in  bis  front,  while  General  [mboden  had  moved  on  his  left, 
"driving  off  the  forces  guarding  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  Railroad, 
destroy  ing  all  the  important  bridg<  -  on  that  route  from  Cumberland 
to  ftfartiuaburg,  and  seriously  damaged  the  Chesapeake  and  Ohio 
1  '■   aeral  Ewell  moved  on  and  arrived  at  Chambersburg 

on  the  evening  of  the  22d.     B  tis  troops  one  day,  he  pushed 

on  to  Carlisle,  eighteen  mile  Generals  Loogstreet   and 

A.  1'.  lliil  had  crossed  the  Potomac,  and  were  moving  on  the  same 

route,  and  reached  Chambersburg  on  the  27th. 


HAMPTONS   CAVALfcY.  103 

.  General  Stuart  with  the  cavalry  continued  to  follow  the  move- 
ments of  the  Federal  army,  hanging  on  his  flank  and  rear,  har 
ing  him  at  every  opportunity,  and  by  extraordinary  vigilance  and 
energy  shielded  the  movements  of  our  army  from  the  surveillance 
of  the  enemy's  reeonnoitering  parties  that  attempted  night  and 
day  to  break  through  onr  lines  to  unveil  Lee's  movements  of  um%8- 
ehievous  mystery."*  Geneml  Stuart  continued  on  after  tin-  enemy's 
columns.  His  advance  between  Fairfax  and  Alexandria  met  a 
body  of  the  enemy's  cavalry,  called  "  Scott's  Nine  Hundred,"  who 
engaged  our  advance  with  terrible  desperation,  and  stood  up  hand 
to  hand  until  the  whole  party  were  all  cut  to  pieces  and  captured 
Major  Whittaker,  of  the  First  North  Carolina,  a  brave  and  accom- 
plished officer,  fell  mortally  wounded  in  leading  the  advance  in  the 
first  charge.  Stuart  here  turned  to  the  left,  obliquing  towards  the 
Potomac. 

In  the  meanwhile  Hooker  had  withdrawn  from  Stafford,  en 
the  Potomac  at  Washington,  and  moved  on  through  Maryland,  so 
as  to  covet-  Washington  and  Baltimore:  and  at  Frederick  City,  for 
some  unexplained  cause,  relinquished  his  command  to  Meade,  w -In- 
turned  up  the  east  side  of  the  South  Mountain,  and  moved  rapidly 
towards  Gettysburg,  throwing  Reynolds  with  his  corps  consider- 
ably in  advance  of  the  main  body. 

General  Ewell  was   threatening   Harrisburg  from   Carlisle;    but 
from   the  recently  di  1    Combinations  of  the  enemy,  on   the 

29th,  he  was  directed  to  proceed  towards  Gettysburg,  and  also  the 
corps  of  Longstreet,  and  on  the  30th  A.  P.  Hill  was  instructed  to 
move  in  the  same  direction.  Heath's  division  of  Hill's  corps  moved 
on  in  advance,  and  ci  S    utli  Mountain  at  Stevens'  Gap.     The 

advance  of  Swell's  corps  had  encountered  t\u>  Pennsylvania  militia, 
which  affair  may  be  better  described  by  an  eye  witnesi 

" Our  boys  hearing  that  there  was  a  chance  for  some  fun  with  the 
militia  hurried  on  to  Getty  sbnig,  high    in  anticipation  of  an    i 
victory.     Many  were. their  regrets  when  they  saw  the  "melish." 

:  ducted,  thai 

ed  tlio  9hen*nd<  former  ba 

commander-in-chief   -  "»  of  it  bail  1<  e 

ami  the  (1 

ired  by  M 
all  hit  mighl  th  •  I 


104  ski 

pursuit  t  the  height  of  folty, 

1 1 .- 1 <  1  th.i  ng,  if  possible,  their 

rity  by  sendiug  ■  volley  after  them.     Oar  infantry  was  utterly 
dut  of  i  y,  with  nimble  b  ime,  and 

after  s  good  chas  ring  ap  Borne  three  or  four 

hundred  of  the  fright 

I   ie  flight  i-  said  to  tly  ludicrous.     When  they 

began  to  run  they  h;id  the  nn  ■     -;  «  quipments,  and  no  doubt 
the  many  little  notions  I  u  tliera  by  their  grateful  wi\ 

l.nt  in  ■  little  while,  one   by  ted  them 

that  taped*  '1  their  progress,  and  c  ime  down  to  it  in  a  way  worthy 
0f  their  '  I  :,s-  cartridge-boau 

,,,,.,,,  I  in  their  famous  flight,  which  did 

not  end  till  they  put  a  river  bel  ■■•  en  themselves  and  danger,  the 
bridge  over  which  was  burnt,  aod  while  inolames,  caught  to  several 
houses,  which  shared  the  san* 

i,  i;    .in. Id-,  on  the  morning  of  the   1st   of  July,  reached 

and  mov(  d  on  and  mel  General  Heath's  division  a  few 

miles  west,  dn  the  Chambersburg  Turnpike ;  skirmishing  a  phort 

time]  the  battle  opened  generally,  the  whole  Yankee  corps  bearing 

ii  furiously  on  this  division,  and  were  met  with  ;i  Bteatfy  ad- 
vance <>n  tin-  pari  "I'  our  troops',  who  seemed  inspired  with  a  \ 
n>n-   onward  movement,  driving  the  enemy  back  rapidly  bel 
them,  to  within  a  short   distan  e  of  the  town,  where  we  encoun- 

1  a  Larger  lour.     EweJI  coming  up  with  two  ,ii  his  divisi 
and  Early's,  by  the  Beidlersburg  road;  took  position  on  the 

run-  left.    The  battle  now  joined  along  the  whole  line.    The 

dv's  artillery  opened  furiously  from  many  favorable  positions, 
to  which  oin>  readily  resj  Our  columns  moves   Bteadily 

upon  these  favorable  positions,  in  tin-  face  ol  incessant  discharges 
of  iron  and  leaden  bail,  driving  the  enemy  Bullenly  hack  al  some 
minor  points, still  stubbornly  holding  his  main  positions.  A  desira- 
ble jio-ition  had  been  occupied  in  our  front,  from  which  the  enemy 
were  enabled  to  inflict  serious  punishmenl  upon  our  advancing*col- 
umns, which  *  mce  charged  and  taken,  hut  the  enemy  being 

heaVily  reinforced,  our  !  mpeljed  to  yield  it  back;  it 

was  ngain  charged  and  retaken  ;  ami  in  turn  the  enemy  rushes  upon 
it  again  and  thrusts  us  back  in  m  it  the  Becond  time,  hut  fell  hack 
immediately  as  our  forci  i  drying  to  the  third  assault,  when 

they  as  ->»un  retire,  fallii  [  distance,  and  turning  again 


Hampton's  cavalry.  113 

did  not  leave  Gettysburg  until  after  daylighjb  of  (lie  5th,"*  carrying;  • 
off  with  us  five  thousand  prisoners,  besides  paroling  two  thousand 
on  the  field. 

How  was  it  with  our  enemy,  who  afterwards  claimed  a  great  vic- 
tory? Why  did  Meade  sit  quietly  ami  look  down  upon  Lee  with- 
drawing his  army,  and  not  pursue  him?  The  tale  is  simply  told — 
he  had  commenced  a  retrograde  movement  six  hours  before  Lee  ' 
commenced  leaving  his  position,  ;is  one  of  the  Washington  sheets 
bulletined  to  the  public  that  Saturday  afternoon  General  Meade 
was  withdrawing  to  another  tine  of  defence;  to  which  is  also  added 
the  captured  despatch  of  a  courier,  stating  that  Meade's  head  quar- 
ters on  Saturday  night  would  be  at  Westminster,  the  next  favor- 
able line  of  defence  from  Gettysburg  ;  besides  our  scouts  state  that 
the  citizens  of  the  vicinity  of  Meade's  position  testify  that  the 
troops  in  the  rear  were  withdrawing  early  in  the  evening  of  the 
4th,  but  as  soon  as  Meade  fully  ascertained  the  fact  of  Lee  with- 
drawing, he  wheeled,  faced  about,  and  played  conqueror  over  the 
debris .of  a  battle  field  where  he  had  been  beaten  in  every  uncov- 
ered action.  .  ' 

The  enemy's  entire  loss  in  casualties  is  estimated  at  eighteen 
thousand,  and  in  prisoners  seven  thousand,  making  the  sum  total 
twenty-five  thousand,  while  our  loss,  frightful  enough,  did  not  foot 
up  more  than  half  that  number,  and  nothing  but  the  superior  ad- 
vantage in  position  the  enemy  had  assumed  after  his  first,  day's 
defeat,  and  his  large  preponderance,  of  artillery,  saved  him  from 
utter  and  hopeless  roul  ;  yet  in  the  faee  of  all  these  facts  a  grand 
victory  is  claimed  and  heralded  on  .the  bulletin  boards  of  the 
North,  and  that  the  Baboon  dynasty,  scenting  among  the  slimy 
sloughs  of  despondency,  had  jumped  up  another  Napoleon,  who 
had  beaten  and  routed  "  the  audacious  reb<  Is,"  leaving  then-  credu- 
lous subjects  anxiously  gaping  to  hear  in  the  next  despatch  that 
their  new  i\  Qedged  chieftain  would  have  the  rebel  Lee  and  his 
entire  army  c«We-«ac,  before  he  could  reach  thePotoinac;  which 
to  follow  ti  •  fits,  We  will  see  how   sadly  they  had 

calcul  to  the-  probabilities  of  such  a  moment 


1:. 


1M  SKETCHES    FROM 


C  II  A   VT  ER.XIII. 

btuabt'b  dbtoub  round  in    captures  several  oanal 

BOATS,    A    LARGE    NUMBER    Qfl  BBS,  AND    AN    [MMENSB   TRAIN   OP' 

WAG<  ■    CIRCUIT    I\    MEADE'S    REAR,   AND    REACHES   GET- 

TY8BURG      DESPERATE    I    W.\I.I!V    FIGHT    AT    HUNTERSTOWN— -GENERAL 
HAMPTON    SEVERELY    WOUNDED  IN    CHECKING    Till:    i-:\- 

EMY— THE    AKMV    CROS  rAIN — A  GALLANT  AFFAIR   IN 

Illi:    PASS    i:v    a    DETACHMENT   FROM    ROBIN80N's   CAVALRY. 

During  these  terrible  engagi  monts,  our  cavalry  had  by  no  n 

ni.K  tive,  but  had  acted  it-  pai  I   in  these  tr\  ing  scenes. 
Stuart,  with  Ins  cavalry,  on  the  enemy's  Hank,  above   A.lexan« 
dria,  having  seen   the  enemy's  r<  n  pass,  dashed   in  and  destroyed 
raJ  of  his  wagon  trains  ;  and  on  tin'  27th,  crossed  the;  Potomac 
at   £  Palls,  eighteen  mil'-   above  Washington,  moved  down 

tin'  Chesapeake  ami  Ohio  Canal,  ami  captured  several  boats.  <>ne, 
a  splendidly  rigged  craft,  With  the  stars  ami  stripes  flying  pro- 
fusely over  it.  and  freighted  with  a  live  tar-",  in  the  Bhape  ef 
Yankee  officers  and  officials,  «  -  anchored  and  taken  in.  to  their 
i  surprise  and  mortification.  The  others  werfl  richly  laden 
with  commissary  freight,  which  was  destroyed.  lie  then  dashed 
down  within  four  miles  of  Washington  City,  pouncing  dn  several 

Officials  of  the  Babo lynasty  en  pleasure  excursions  in  the  vicfiv 

using   the  trenibling4cuetd   tyrant   to  barricade  the  streets 

with  bai  against   :i  rmi/,  tl,    nmiii  of  this    "  ener- 

getic  rebel  :"  of  which  circumstance  he  i<  reported  to  have  said. 
after  his  nerves  had  become  Boinewhat  steadied?  "Some  of  my 
Cabinet  were  a  lee  tie  frightened,  bul  I  warnl  scared  a  lm<>t<r." 
However,  the  lynx-eyed  Jeb  contented  himself  with  a  naked-eye 
view  "I'  the  steeples  and  apises  of  this  modern  Sodom,  dashed  on 
up  the  main  Washington  and  Frederick  road,  captured  two  hun- 
dred and  seventy  wagons  and  teams,  attacked  and  repulsed,  with 
the  Second  North  Carolina  regiment,  after  a  desperate  hand-to,- 
hand   fight,  a    large   body  Of  the    enemy's  cavalry  at    Hanover,  who 

attempted  to  rescue  the  train.  Moved  on.  ami  met  another  body 
of  cavalry  at    Rock  vi  lie,  D&osl  of  which  W.  II.  P.  Lee's   brigade 

killed   and  captured.     Dashed  uu   round,  pickiug  up  and  paroling 


Hampton's  cavalry.  115 

numerous  prisoners  in  the  rear,  and  reached  Carlisle  on  Wednes- 
day evening,  bringing  up  with  him  his  enormous  captured  train — 
paving  swept  round  the  entire  rear  of  Meade's  army — making  the 
first  communication  with  General  Lee  since  leaving  Ashby'e  Gap. 
Late  on  Thursday  evening,  the  2d,  the  enemy's  cavalry  were  dis- 
covered to  be  moving  round  on  our  left,  with  the  supposed  inten- 
tion of  reaching  our  trains  at  Cashtown.  Hampton,  with  his 
command,  was  ordered  hack  to  meet  them.  Cobb's  Legion  were 
thrown  forward,  and  met  a  body  of  Yankee  cavalry  near  Buntera- 
town,  who  were  posted  along  the  road  in  largely  superior  numb 
Colonel  Young  made  a  tearless  dash  at  them,  and  alter  a  desperate 
fight,  in  winch  the  sabre  was  mainly  nsed,  the  gallant  Georgians 
handsomely  repulsed  them,  killing  and  wounding  upwards  of  one 
hundred,  and  capturing  several  prisoners — losing  sixty-five  in  killed 
and  wounded,  among  them  nearly  every  commissioned  officer 
was  killed  or  wounded.  Doubtless  no  affair  of  this  war  was  char- 
acterized with  more  fierceness  and  desperation. 

The  enemy  retired  that  evening  beyond  Hunterstown,  and  early 
next  morning  had  concentrated  a  heavy  force  of  cavalry,  mounted 
infantry,  and  artillery  at  that  point,  and  was  bearing  round  on  our 
left  flank.  Stuart  advanced  with  his  command  to  meet  them: 
They  had  learned  his  intention  to  attack  them,  and  they  threw 
themselves  on  the  defensive,  and  took  a  favorable  position  near 
Hunterstown,  with  their  cavalry  drawn  up  under  some  hills,  their 
artillery  in  the  edge  of  some  woods  on  the  hill  behind,  with  heavy 
lines  of  sharpshooters  well  thrown  out  in  front.  In  our  Front  we 
were  impeded  by  numerous  stone  and  bar  fences,  with  only  one 
open  passage,  a  narrow  lane,  leading  to  the  enemy's  position. 
Jenkins  moved  up  on  the  right,  Chambliss  (commanding  W,  EL  F. 
Lee's  cavalry)  and  Fit/..  Lee  00  the  left,  and  Hampton  in  the  centre 
at  the  mouth  of  the  lane.  Sharpshooters  from  the  commands  chiefly 
on  the  right  were  thrown  ^forward,  when  the  fight  opened  1 
roualy,  and  the  artillery  o(  each  party  open  ami  keep  up  a  i 

furious  dnel.     A  lii I  our  sharp-  Idenly  b< 

pressed   by  a  body   of  Yankee   cavalry  emerging   from    a    w< 
General  Fit/.  I.  ith  the  Brsl  Virginia  Regiment  dashes  for' 

and  meets  them  in  the  open  field,  with  -word  in  h 
sharp  fight  repulsed  them.     General  Fity.  Lee  in  this  affair  at  the 
bead  of  his  column  1  into  the  :  in 

crossing  values  he  encounter  '       V 


lit',  BKBTCHB8   FROM 

,.rf,il  arm  ring  top  DMch  For  him,  but  tlie  timely  inters 

ference  of  his  Adjut  !  lahing  to  his  side,  Bhot 

intagonist  jost  as  b<  the  confident  thrust  at  him. 

j  1 1  the  meantime  Hampton,  in  moving  ap  '  inpport, 

was  ordered  to  charge  another  large  body  moving  from  the  wood  ; 
no  prellminarieahad  been  made  m  removing  the  fence  obstruct* 
between  oat  position  and  the  enemy's,  who  occnpied  an  oj.cn  held    t 
beyond  a  Line  of  bar  fence.     The  narrow  lane  was  the  only  means 
by  which  they  could  1"'  reached;  which  was  raked  by  the  artillery 
of  the  enemy.    Through  this  narrow  passage,  amid  the  e 
raking  fire,  Hampton's  column  dashed,  with  its  fearless  leader  at 
the  head.    The  open  field  is  gained  at  the  end  of  the  lone;  he 
quickly  deploys  his  column.    The  enemy  arc  formed  under  the  hill 
and  approach  in  splendid  ordefc     1 1  mpton,  cool,  with  his  noble  eye 
flashing  fire,  rings  out:  fhem,my  brain  boysvchargeikim,n 

On  hie  fiery  troopers  dash,  with  gleaming  sabres  uplifted,  with  a 
wild,  deafening  yell.    The  two  hostile  columns  tilt  together,  with 

aa  dashing  of  sabres,  intermingled  with  the  popping  of  piefc 
horses  and  riders  lock  together  in  the  dread  mefee,  friend  and  foe 
fall  and  an-  crushed  beneath  the  angry  tread.  The  lines  of  each 
party  are  swinging  to  and  fro,  backwards  and  forwards,  finally  the 
enemy's  begin  to  waver,  and  are  b<  ing'thrust  hack  Blowly  at  the 
point  ol  th<-  sabre'.  But  at  this  fortuitous  juncture  a  fresh  column 
of  Y.mk'c  reinforcements  dash  forward  over  the,hill  ;  our  column 
in  torn  is  borne  back,  fie  otesting  every  inch  of  ground.  < 

Hand    tO    hand    they  hear  Up  against   the    Opposing  "dds.      The  tall 

form  of  Hampton  is  conspicuous  iu  the  fight,  be  too  plies  his  sabre 
with  his  men,  at  the  same  time  encouraging  the  men  to  stand  firm. 
The  whole  Xankee  column  bears  down  upon  us  with  all  its  energy 
and  fnry,  still  the  line  bears  np  against  the  renewed  shook.-  Tho 
whole  li  J  to  be  striving  with   his  man.  and  more  of  the 

enemy  pressing  on  ;  two  have  d  ished  at  the  gallant  Hampton,  but 
pay  the  penalty,  before  bis  dexterous  arm;  another  fresh  squad 
rush  from  the  line  and  bear  upon  him.  The  flashes  from  the  mua- 
zle  of  hi>  pistol  keep  them  at  a  moment's  hay.  Two  filississip. 
pians,  Privates  More  and  Dunlap,  of  the  Jeff.  Davis  Legion,  fear- 
lessly dash  to  In-  rescue  with  sabres  lifted  high  in  the  air,  bringing 
their  sharp  edges  down  upon  the  heada  of  the  pressing  assailants, 
but  sadly  they  go  down  beneath  the  angry  tread. <  Now  still  gleam- 
ing sabres  from  several  arms  are  playing  over  his  head,  already 


Hampton's  cavalry.  117 

spirting-  with  gore,  his  unerring  pistol  sends  another  reeling  from 
his  saddle;  frantic  with  rage  they  press  him  back  against  the 
fence,  just  as  the  colum#  is  too  being  borne  back  ;  two  brave  men, 
Sergeant  Nat.  Price,  Company  A.  First  North  Carolina,  and  Private 
Jackson.  Company  B,  Cobb  Legion,  descrying  the  awful  dilemma 
of  their  beloved  commander,  recklessly  dash  into  the  unequal  con- 
test;  a  sure  shot  from  the  pistol  of  the  former  blows  the  nearest, 
one  through  just  as  he  is  repeating  a  blow  upon  the  general's 
bleeding  head.  Throwing-themselves  between  him  and  the  press- 
ing antagonists,  still  chafing  for  their  victim,  the  former  earnestly 
shouted,  "  General,  general,  they  are  too  many  for  us;  for  Cod's 
sake  leap  your  horse  over  the  feuce  ;  I'll  die  before  they  shall  have 
^ou."  The  spur  is  suited  to  the  suggestion ;  his  noble  steed  clears 
the  fence  amid  a  shower  of  balls  that  shred  the  air,  one  Beverely 
wounding  him  in  the  side.  The  party  furiously  dashes  at  the  de- 
liverers, just  as  they  too  are  wheeling  to  follow,  and  with  uplifted 
sabre  one  is  coming  down  upon  Price  ;  another  barrel  sends  him 
reeling  from  his  saddle.  The  next  in  van  raises  his  vengeful  arm 
to  cleave  him  down,  his  uplifted  arm  receives  the  blow,  and  before 
another  is  raised'to  finish  the  work,  his  faithful  steed  follows  in  the 
leap  and  safely  bears  him  along  side  his  coadjutor  on  the  other  side 
of  the  fence. 

The  general  was  now  borne  off.  bleeding  from  two  frightful 
sabre  cuts  across  the  head,  fracturing  the  skull,  and  a  severe 
wound  from  a  pistol  shot  in  the  side.  On  leaving  he  requested 
Colonel  Baker,  of  the  First  North  Carolina'cavalry,  to  take  com- 
mand, and  encouraged  the  men  to  fight  on  and  not  give  up  the 
field.  They  catch-  1 1  j « •  inspiration  from  the  wounded  hero,  to- 
gether with  the  encouragement  of  tin-  gallant  officer  at  their  bead, 
and  turn  upon  the  pressing  foe  with  a  renewed  energy..  They 
spur  back  deeper  into  tfa<  's  ranks;  bis  columns  wav 

after  a  short  but  terrible  onset  of  these  impetuous  troopers,  they 
br<  ak  against  the  renewed  charge,  and  are  hurled  back  a.  ; 
field,  falling  beneath  our  vengeful  Bt<  ■  :  at  every  step.     Tb 
terii  11-  columu  it  illy.    The  enemy  fpequently 

rally.    Several  'i  Major  <     nnor,  of 

the  .bit'.  Davi     L        'i.  a  ii»-  ► — T  gallanl  and  dan 

in  a  rash  attempt  to  :  II    .ivy 

columns  of  reinforcei 

our  men  hold  their  position  after  the  recall  is  St 


H«  SKETCHED    FROM 

I 

storm  of  grape  m  of  the   more  impetn 

..  them*  in  advance  of   where  t he 

iron  reined  pp,  spurri  tit    battery,  wrapping  the 

;   in   Uvid  flames.     To  have  seen  thee  - 1 . i ^- 1 1 i 1 1  «^  into  it 

truly  grand  :  and  lei  the  admirers  of  heroism  know  tin'  name 

,f  the  ;  -Privute  J.  6.  M   Reynolds^of  Phillips'  -Legion. 

Spurring  almost  nnder  the  win:  •    of  the  guns,  more  like 

Bome  demon  phantom,  he  Bhonts  bac^,  "Come  on,  boys,  come  on  I 

My  God;  let's  take  the  b    I  ling  Ins  column  retiring,  he 

dashed  back  without  a  scratch, «m id   the  missiles  large  and  .-mall 

that  were  shredding  the  air. 

After  tins  desperate  ch  i  ing  the  Yankee  columns  back  to 

the  months  of  his  numerous  and  well  served  guns,  heavily  pur- 
ported by  infantry,  our 'columns  retired  hack,  holding  the  first  dis- 
ci point;  the  other  parts  ol  the  line  were  not  so  fiercely 
tiled,  but  in  all  tin-  efforts  of  tin-  enemy  he" was  promptly  re- 
pulsed. This  point  in  Hampton'-  front  was  the  hardest  contested 
part  of  the  6eld.  The  enemy  having  concentrated  his  main  force 
hero,  attempted  by  desperate  <•:  »rta  to  break  our  centre,  in  which 
In-  was  effectually  foiled  by  the  Bup<  rior  courage  of  Pit;  Lee's  ami 
Hampton's   veteran   troopers.     His  cavalry  l>cinur  thus   Beverely 

punished   in  an  open   hand    to  hand   contest,  attempt.  (1  to  drive  as 

from  our  position  by  his  numerous  and  well  posted  artillery,  in 
which  a  most  teSrible  artillery  duel  was  joined.     Our  batteries  of 

horse  artillery,  aided   l.y  foot  mder  Lieutenant   Blaif    of  the 

leson  battery  of  Ewell's  corps,  furiously  kepi  up  the  6gh1  the 
remainder  of  the  day.  without  any  decided  ©fleet,  each  party  hold- 
ing its  same  position  at  night.  <  hi r  loss  was  quite  heavy,  particu- 
larly in  officers.  The  enemy'd  must  have  been  equally  as  much  of 
mors  bo.  General  Stuart  was  particularly  conspicuous  in  the  fight, 
dashing  from  one  point  to  another,  encouraging  the  point  that  re- 
quired  hi*  presence  the  BBoat,  entirely  reckless  of  his  personal 

iy.  In  thus  maintaining  Ins  position,  he  effectually  held  in 
oheckand  repulsed  the  moat  desperate  effort  of  the  enemy's  cav- 
alry to  turn  our  left  Hank,  who  with  the  additional  incentive  were 
burning  to  wipe  out  the  disgrace  Stnart  had  just  inflicted  upon 
them  by  his' daring  and  mischievous  pranks  upon  their  rear.  He 
Btill  maintained  his  position  the  following  day,  and  was  among  the 
i  leave  the  Geld,  bringing  up  the  rem-  of  our  retiring  army. 


HAMPTONS   CAVALRY.  119 

On  the  evening  of  the  same  day,  the  3d,  a  detachment  of  about 
four  hundred  men,  under  Colonel  Black,  First  South  Carolina  cav- 
alry, met  a  body  of  Yankee  cavalry  advancing  from  Emmet  tsburg, 
who  were  attempting  a  demonstration  against  our  right  flank,  with 
the  support  of  a  regiment  of  infantry,  ambuscaded  and  drove  them 
back  with  heavy  loss. 

Late  in  the  same  evening,  farther  round  on  our  -right,  beyond 
Marsh  Creek,  Jones*  cavalry,  supported   by  Robinson,  encountered 
another  heavy  body  o\'  the  enemy's  cavalry,  and  after  a  desperate, 
hand  to  hand    conllict,    repulsed   them,    killing    and    capturing    a 
great  number. 

Our  trains  moved  from  Gettysburg  on  two  routes,  one  by  wav  of 
Cashtown  through  Stevens'  Gap,  guarded  by  Imboden  ;  the  other 
by  the  road  through  Fairfield,  leading  across  the  South  Mountains. 
General  Robinson  was  ordered  on  in  advance  on  this  route;  he  sent 
forward  a  small  squadron  of  about  thirty-five  men,  under  Captains 
McKellar  and  Shaw  of  the  Fifth  North  Carolina  cavalry,  to  picket 
this  Gap  in  advance  of  the  column,  on  Jack  Mountain.  The  | 
on  the  top  of  the  mountain  is  quite  narrow  and  makes  a  slight 
bend  from  the  south.  The  enemy's  cavalry,  in  the  meantime,  by 
remarkable  energy  had  moved  vround  to  the  left  and  crossed  the 
mountain  on  some  obscure  road  and  were  hastening  up  to  occupy 
this  pass.  Just  as  this  small  force  was  being  posted  at  the  point, 
an  entire  regiment  of  the  enemy's  cavalry  were  seen  advancing 
rapidly  up  the  opposite  side  of  the  mountain.  Our  little  body  of 
pick  n  wen-  thrown  forward  to  the  best  advantage  along  the  n 
advantageous  positions  near  the  bend.  The  enem}  came  dash 
up  by  Mpi  idrons,  and  jusl  as  they  turned  the  bend  our  little  party 
met  them  with  a  galling  (ire,  causing  a  temporary  recoil.  Their 
officef  in  command  rallied  a  small  body,  calling  on  the  others  to 
follow,  he  gallantly,  with  a  few  of  Ins  men.  succeeded  in  dashing 
by;  he  stdl  kept  on  at  the  top  of  his  speed  and  was  tallud.  and  his 
party  captured  by  a  small  party  in  tie-  rear.     The  whi  cut 

made  Beveral   bold  dashes  to  carry   the   position,  but    were   buo- 
mllv  repulsed  in  every  attempt,  leaving  the  p        trewn  with 
their  dead  and  wounded.    They  retired,  baffled  and 
two  bold  and  intrepid  officers.    And  to  them  and  their  breve  men 
the  greatesi  en  dit  is  due  for  defending  and  hold  in  tool 

..  u  inch,  had    they  BOOCeedod    in  I   1}    OCCU|  'lid 

have   at   least  subjected    I  0U1  aim  I    to    untold 

disaster. 


1  •_'< » 

ciiapti:i;    xiv. 

9    A     BOLD     ATTEMPT    TO    CAPTUBB     OUB 
WTLLIAM8PORT — \!:  IV    ROUTED   BY  GENERAL 

•  -      GENERAL    I.Ki:   TAKES 

POSITION    AT    H  I  RIGHT    NEAR    FUNK8TOWN— AT 

BBNYIOLA — THJ  WHOLE    ARMY    I  '      THE   POTOMAO-^-PTlZ.    LEE'S 

\l.i:V  FIGHT  AT    LEETOWN;   R01     -    rHEJBNEMT— THE   ARMY  WTTH- 

n    n:"M    Tin:    v  m.i.kv.  AND  ORIGINlL   UNI 

THE  RAPPAHANNOCK. 

Our  columns  mov<  '  on  without  any  further  interruption,  z 
dash  of  the  cavalry  on  some  wagons  thai  had  lagged   be- 

hind, capturii  in  w     I     led. 

Our  vast  trains  of  wa  ptu red  property,  and  prisoners  had 

.  ted  VVilliamsport  on   Monday  even: 

the  6th,  under  charg         General   Iraboden,  with   bis  cavalry/One 
men.l  of  infantry,  and  a  Large  b    !y  of  "  Company  Q,"*  from  all 
the  cavalry,  a>  an  escort, 

The  enemy's  cavalry,  by  forced  ru  irches,  had  dashed  round  and 
placed  themselves  between  our  army  and  the  trains,  and  held  the 
road  at   Hagerstown,  throwing  forward  a  heavy  fore  dry 

and   artillery,   under    Opatrick.     They   suddenly  came   dashing 
down  upon  General   Imboden  al  Williamsporl  for  the  prize 

collected   at   tli  it    point,     i  r,  with  consummate  energy, 

promptly  met  them,  by  throwing  forward  his  hom  igeneous  fori 
"Company  Q  and  his  small  body  of  reg- 

ular  fori  ••!•  a  Bharp  fight  of  artillery  and  small  arms,  the 

enemy  was  graduall)  driven  from   his  first   position;  when,  about 
dark,   tip'  whule    line   moved    forward  with  a   yell.     The  enemy  re- 
laxed   his   hold,  and   retreated    precipitately   in   the    direction 
^oonsboro',  leaving  killed  and* wounded -behind,  in- 

flicting a  very  small  loss  upon  as. 

In  the  meantime  General  Stuarl  hi  d  fallen  upon  the  other  body 
at  II  iwn,  in  which    Robinson's  and  Jones'  brigades  dri 

them  through  the  town   in  a  m  -:   gallant  style.     They  were  fol- 

•    l  -  the  soubriquet  given  to  that  part  of  the  cavalry  who  had  unserviceable 

horses,  which  coutituted  a  graud  cortege  of  limpJDg  horses  after  the  wagon  trains. 


Hampton's  cavalry.  121 

'lowed  up  by  an  advance  of  the  former  under*Colonel  J.  B.  Gordon, 
commanding  the  Fifth  North  Carolina  cavalry;  and  after  pursuing 
them  about  a  mile,  they  succeeded  in  rallying,  posting  themselves  In 
a  strong  position  in  the  road,  where  they  had  posted  a  battery  of 
artillery  raking  the  road.  This  gallant  officer,  however,  advanced 
at  a  sweeping  pace  almost  to  the  mouths  of  the  guns  ;  but  from 
the  galling  fire  his  command  temporarily  recoiled.  Rallying,  he 
completed  the  charge,  repulsing  the  enemy;  and  it  was  only  by 
the  utmost  speed  of  the  artillery  horses  that  the  guns  Were  sa*ved 
from  capture.  In  this  and  the  engagement  at  Williamaport  the 
enemy  were  punished  severely,  while  our  loss  was  comparatively 
small!  ' 

Our  army  all  arrived  in*Hagersto\vn  by  the  7th,  and  halted  in 
the  vicinity.  In  this  retrograde  movement,  in  which  the  enemy 
subsequently  proclaimed  that  Lee's  forces  were  hopelessly  de- 
moralized and  routed,  Meade  had  not  made  the  least  show  of  im- 
mediate pursuit,  but  had  allowed  Lee  to  leisure^  march  to  Hagers- 
town,  where  he  halted  and  assumed  a  position,  and  awaited 
patiently  the  approach  of  the  self-styled  victorious  army  for  the 
space  of  six  long  days- 

In  the  meantime  sharp  occurrences^took  place  between  the  cav- 
alry of  each  party.  On  the  evening  of  the  8th,  General  Fitz.  Lee 
dashed  upon  a  body  on  the  national  turnpike,  near  Funkstown, 
killing  and  wounding  several,  and  capturing  one  hundred  and  fifty 
with  all  their  equipments.  The  next  morning  Hampton's  brigade, 
under  Colonel  Baker,  was  sent  forward  to  reinforce  the  latt*  r.  A. 
large  body  of  the  enemy,  both  cavalry  and  infantry,  Were  moving 
up  from  Boonsboro!.  They  wero  met  in  the  afternoon  beyond 
Benviola,  on  an  extensive  open  plain  at  tin-  font  of  South  Moun- 
tain. A  sharp  skirmish  npn,ed,  followed  by  artillery.  The  skir- 
mish increased,  and  was  kept  up  with  the  fury  of  a  battle.  The 
enemy  ware  driven  back  a  considerable  d  3evi  ral  ineflG 

tnal  attempta  were  made  to  bring  bis  cavalry  out  to  an  open  ei 
ni'iit .  I'Ut    in  •  v.  i  y  ii  -tance   he  declined.     The  artillery  1 
kept  op  till  mar  sun  down,  when  a  heavy  body  ol  try 

had  moved  round  ai  i  far  upon  our  left  flank  as 

to  compel  us  to  fall  back  to  a  position.     In  with* 

drawing  from  thi  plain,  tie  ika  off  into  nil 

which  t! 

uiiiii  ill  drawn  in  and    i 

10 


121  ROHBB  v 

when  tl  -  Captain  J.  H.  Barry,  bring- 

ing up  the  i  i  op  •!!  furiously  by  the  Fankee  c*f> 

nlry,  who  wheel  illant ]y   met   them  :  hand   to   hand   th§y 

bore  Hi'  againsi   their  i  ints  in  tin'  most  gallant  stylo. 

ind  returned  the  well,plied  Bteel  of  the  Yank 
horses  and  riders  intermingled  recklessly  with  each  other;  for  ten 
minutes  the  red,  drippii  ;    party  are  unflinchingly 

parried  and  throated  in  deadly  strife;  a  furious  yell  and  redoubled 
rt  on  the  pail  of  the  unqoailing  South  Carolinians;  the  enenty 
>il  and  breaV  the  line  of  their  flanking  column,  who  are 

hurrying  up,  and  pour  into  <»ur  columns  from  the  hill  above  a  most 
galling  fire,  which  from  his  heavy  supports  in  the  rear,  we  retired 
slowly,  and    fighting    them    till   dark   from  the  next   bill.     Our 
was  pretty  -uing  day  our  dismounted  skirmishers 

skirmished  with  the  advancing  enemy,  attempting  tq  draw  them 
Oil  to  our  general    lines    along  the  Antietam.  but    without   sue< 

We  skirmished  hotly  on  t he  epsuing  day.  holding  the  enemy  in 
•check  in  front  of  General  Lee's  position  near  Hagerstown.  Gene- 
ral 1.  -  rdnance  supplies  having  reached  him,  he  awaited  day 
r  day  for  the  enemy  to  advance,  hut  he  cautiously  Btands  off,  as 
if  determined  out  to  risk  a  lyit  1 1<  • .  The  difficulty  of  obtaining  sup* 
plies  for  the  army,  and  the  non-combatting  disposition  of  the 
enemy,  General  Lee  quietly  withdrew  on  the  morning  of  the  13th, 
and  crossed  the  Potomac  ;it  Williamsport  and  F.«11jhlt  Waters,  with- 
out any  serious  interruption  <>n  the  part  of  the  enemy.  Brigadier 
General  Pettigrew,  bringing  up  the  rear  at  Palling  Waters,  while 
ting  his  men  who  had  been  toiling  all  night  in  the  mud  and 
rain,  a  small  body  of  the  enemy's  cavalry  was  unfortunately  mis- 
taken i'^r  our  own,  and  penetrated  our  line  and  mortally  wounded 
this  gallant  and  accomplished  officer,  "ho  died  a  few  days  after- 
wards. 

Thus  ended  a  campaign  in  which,  by  transferring  hostilities  ta 
the  enemy's  soil,  our  troops  had  promised  themselves  the  most 
happy  results.  They  went  not  for  rapine  and  plunder,  but  solely 
for  striking  for  freedom  on  the  I  toman's  soil,  and  how  far  that 
matter  may  have  heen  ai-eomplishrd,  an  impartial  survey  of  events 
will  show  that  the  immediate  results  are  not  altogether  negative. 
Our  troops  met  the  enemy  en  his  own  soil,  whipped  and  drove 
him  from  his  first-position,  crippled  and  held  him  in  a  position  in 
which  nothing  but  the  position  itself  saved  him  from  immediate  and 


Hampton's  cavalry.  123 

hopeless  tpnt;  while  nothing  but  the  sad  exhaustion  of  ammunition 
compelled  us  to  retire  from  a  victory  Just  within  our  grasp  ;  when 
in  realitv  the  enemy  hadcommerfced  a  retreat  from  the  horrors  of 
an  imaginary  fatal  blow  that  they  expected  from  Lee,  who  quietly 
retired,  and  after  replenishing  his  ammunition,  took  another  posi- 
tion; cramped  for  the  want  of  transportation  for  supplies,  he  lay 
for  six  days  and  invited  the  enemy  to  fight,  and  retired  only  when 
his  supplies  were  entirely  exhausted,  having  inflicted  on  the 
enemy  a  loss  in  battle  in  killed,  wounded  and  prisoners  over  twice 
his  own,  to  say  nothing  of  the  immense  amount  of  captured  prop- 
erty secured — thus  falling  short  of  the  hoped  for  results  by  ex- 
traneous causes  over  which  our  authorities,  from  the.  extreme 
nature  of  circumstances,  had  no  control;  and  by  this  bold  demon- 
stration in  striking  the  enemy  in  the  heart  of  his  own  country,  we 
have  given  him  a  higher  appreciation  of  the  valor  and  courage  of 
the  Southern  troops,  which  tends  really  to  depreciate  confidence 
in  themselves. 

The  few  days'  repose  iu  the  valley  was  interrupted  by  only  one 
excursion  of  the  enemy's  cavalry,  who  advanced  from  Shepherds- 
town  on  a  reconnoissance  upon  our  lines.     Fitz.  Lee  met  them  at, 
Leetown,  about  five  miles  above  Shepherdstown,  completely  rout-' 
ing  and  driving  them  pell   mell  .through   the  latter  place,  killing 
and  capturing  about  two  hundred.     The  movements  of  the  enemy 
down  the  other;  side  of  the  Blue  Ridge  required  a  corresponding 
movement  on  the  part  of  Generpl  Lee,  aud  the  two  armies  again 
found  themselves  confronting  ea"ch  other  on  the  old  Rappahan.il 
lines.     The  Yankee  General  had  poshed  his  columns  with  remark- 
able rapidity,  as  though  he  intended  to  gain  Richmond  by  a  1 
rape  ;  but  finding  himself  confronted  by  the  ubiquitous  columns  of 
Lee,  he  was  content   to  pause  in   the  old,  beaten  war-path  on   the 
north  banks.of  the  Rappahannock.     He  took  up  his  headquarl 
upon  the  estate  of  Sir.  Joseph  Do wnman,  where,  instead  of  push- 
ing on   alter   the  demoralized   army  of  Lee,  hi  I    his  laurels, 
and  went  to  working  Op  all  the  cedar  in  the  vicinity  in  de< 
and   embellishing   his  Muarters.     A  grand  ovation  was  given,  at 
which,  from  a  cedar-wroaght  throne,  in  the  presence  <•■ 
abolition  notables  and  olftcer 
sented  him  a  .-word  lor  his  meritori 

Our  army  halted  and  Lay  be]  '     EL,  while  tie 

airy  occupied  the  front.     The  Yankees  had   thrown   their  lines 


SKETCH  KS    FliOM 

i       1  down  I    .  uth 

v       tain   Run,  i  from  tin-  river, 

Our  lines  ran   sound   c  to#theirs,  a  abort   distance 

it. 


CHAPTER    XV. 

I 

A    GLANCE    AT   ICOSin     AND    HIS    MK.V. 

Jbfata  Singleton  Mosby  is  the  Bon  of  Alfred  D.  Mosby,  formerly  of 
Albemarle  County, Ara.,  but  now  in  the  vicinity  of  Lynchburg.  lit- 
is the  maternal  I  Mr,  James  MoLaiirine,  Br.,  late  of  Pow- 
hatau  Oounty>Ya.i  and  his  mother  was  Miss  Virginia  J.  McLau- 
line. 

The  subject  of  our  sketch  Was  I  irn  in  Pownatan  County,  S 
(be  6th  of  Hecember,  1833.    Be  ei  tared  the  Dniversity  of  Virginia 
at  a  ad  graduated  with  much  distinction.    Shortly 

thereafter  be  was  married  to  I  ly  daughter  of  the  Hon.  B 

erly  Clarke,  late  mini  I         al  America* 

mencemenl  of  hostilities   Between  the   North  and 
thvourhero  i  istol,  Washington  County,  7a.,  where 

I  in  the  practice  of  law.  He  immedi- 
ately gave  up  his  profession,  end  entered  fche  army  as  a  private, 
becoming  a  member  of  a  company  raised  in  Washington,  and  com- 
manded by  Gap  tain  Jones,  nbw  Genera]  Jones,  in  which  position 
he  setfved  twelve  months.  Upon  the  promotion  of  Captain  Jones 
to  the  colonelcy  of  the  First  Virginia  cavalry,  Mosby  was  chc 

I  jut  ant. 

He  continued  in  this  position  bul  a  short  time,  for  upon  the  re- 
organization of  the  regiment,  from  some  cause  the  colonel  was 
thrown  out,  and  consequi  adjutant  was  relieved  from  duty. 

M ,,-l.v  was  then  chosen  bv  General  Jeb  Stuart  as  a  sort  of  an  inde- 
pendent Bcout.    lh-  first    ittracted  public  attention  when  General 
1",.  Johnston  fell  back  from  Manassas.     On  this  occasion  Gene- 
ra] Johnstoi  I      n 'whether  the  "movement  (A'  M.o* 
i  feintj  or  if  he  really  intended  to  maroh  his  army  to 


HAMPTONS   CAVALRY.  125 

the  Peninsula,  sent  Mosby  to  ascertain  the  fact,  who,  in  company 
with  five  others,  went  to  the  rear  of  McClellan's  army,  and  re- 
turned to  General-Johnston  with  the  desired  information.  Cap- 
tain Mosby  was  the  first  to  make  the  circuit  of  the  enemy  while  in 
front  of  Richmond,  thereby  enabling  General'  Stuart  to  make  the 
celebrated  raid  around  the  entire  Yankee  army,  on  which  occasion 
Mosby  went  in  advance.  His  personnel  is  described  as  "alight,  mus- 
cular, supple  and  vigorous;  his  eye  is  keen,  penetrating,  ever  on 
the  alert;  he  wears  his  sabre  and  pistol  with  the  air  oft  man  who 
sleeps  with  them  buckled  around  his  waist,  and  handles  them 
habitually  almost  unconsciously.  The  captain  is  a  determined 
man  in  a  charge,  dangerous  on  a  scout,  hard  to  outwit,  and  prone 
to  '  turn  up  '  suddenly  where  he'  is  least  expected,  and  bang  away 
with  his  pistol  and  carbine."  % 

His  exploits  since  the  last  service  as  an  independent  scout  have 
become  a  part  of  the  history  of  the  war.  No  partisan  has  in  so 
short  a  time,  and  with  such  small  material,  won  a  more  solid  repu- 
tation in  the  peculiar  and  effective  mode  of -warfare.  With  a  small 
command  in  the  winter  of  18(i2  and  1863,  he  greatly  annoyed  the 
enemy's  camps  and  communication  between.  Washington  city  and 
Warrentom  On  one  occasion  in  the  latter  part  of  last  winter,  with 
thirty  men  he  penetrated  the  enemy's  lines,  and  proceeded  to  Fair- 
fax Court  Hpuse  ;  slipping  through  the  pickets  of  the  outposts,  he 
led  his  party  after  dark  without  observation  to  the  inside  pick 
and  surprised  and  captured  the  whole  Plumber.  With  a  few  cti'  his 
picked  men  he  proceeded  into  the  village  to  the  headquarters  of 
General  Stoughton,  and  made  prisoners  sf  him  and  staff  in  their 
beds,  and  passed  quietly  out  with  the  prisoners  through  the  dark- 
ness. In  passing  Gentrevilie  in  the  dark,  he  came  within  seventy- 
live  yards  of  the  enemy'.-  redoubts,  and  was  raddenly  hailed  bi  I 
sentinel,  but  hi*  resourcee  ever  ready,  he  |  the  im- 

pression that  they  we]-,-  Y-m!.  ,ut  on  duty,  and  m  re  al- 

lowed unsuspectingly  f<  This  valuable  requisition  on   the 

Yankee  offi<  j 

forwarded  to  Richmond.    This  brilliant  exploit  elicited  the  foil 
ing  complimentary  order  :         I  Stuart : 

GENERAL  ORDERS  N'o. 


Captain  John  8.  M 

tion  of  hie 


layed  in  his  numerous  forays  U]   >n  the  invaders  of  his  native 

. 
\   qi    knew  hii  daring  enterprise  and  dashing  heroism  bett 
than  those  foul  invader.-,  though  strangers  themselves  to  such  noble 
trail 

His  late   brilliant   exploit,* the   capture  of  Brigadier   General 

Stoughton,  Unite  I  3  iptains,  thirty  other  prison' 

and   fifty-eight    horses,  justifies   this  recognition  in  Genera) 

i  a.  unparalleled  in  the  war,  was  performed  in  the 

midst  of   the   enemy's   ti  Fairfax  C.  EL,  without    loss  or 

injury. 

The  gallant  hand  of  Captain   M  iftby  share  the  glory,  as  they  did 

the  d  worthy  of  Bucb  a  leader. 

J."  E.  B.  STUART, 
Mqj  al  Commanding. 

On  the  1st  of  last  April,  with  a  detachment  of  only  sixty-live 
men,  he  encountered  and  was  at;  icked,  near  Drainsville,  by  two 
hmdnd  picked  Yankee  cavalry,  who  were  scouting  lor  him.  Be 
at  onoe placed  himself  at  the  bead  of  twenty-five  '>;'  his  men, hold- 
ing the  others  in  reserve,  ami  charged  the  two  hundred  with  sm-h 
impetuosity  that  In-  succeeded  in  completely  rousting  them,  billing 
wounding  twenty-five,  and  taking  eighty-three  prisoners. 
Among  the  killed  and  wounded  were  furs  officers.  Mosby'a  lo 
inly  one  killed,  and  a  few  wounded. 

About  tie'  first  of  May  the  Yin;..     General  Strahl  with  a  body 
&Tttlry  had  moved  up  near  Warrentoo  Junction,  and  placed  the 
First  Virginia  1  aard  the  Junction.     Mosby  was 

ever  hovering  round  -found  out  their  position,  and  with  the 
commands  of  Captain  Paitoo,  thirty  men.  and  Sergeant  Mickler, 
eleven,  and  with  his  own  detachment,  numbering  in  all  about  one 
hundred,  he  resolved  to  attack  the  point,  lie  rendezvoused  on 
the  bight  of  the  2d  of  May,  on  Payne'i  farm,  and  proceeded  to 
Gerjnantown,  where  he  run  on  a  party  of  infantry  and  captured 
them.  From  thence,  traveling  that  eight,  he  proceeded  to  War- 
renton  Junction,  run  in  the  pickets.  The  moil  of  the  enemy  had 
dismounted  and  posted  themselves  mi  a  firm  bouse.  Mosby  formed  , 
his  men  under  a  most  galling  fire,  with  himself  and  Sergeant  Mick- 
ler in  the  lead,  charged  tic  pain  outside  the  house,  sabring  them 
down  as  they   ran  in.     Then  the  most   desperate   lighting  ensued. 


Hampton's  cavalry.  127 

Our  men  jumped  from  their  horses  and  made  a  fierce  onset  on 
the  house,  which  had  t;he  lower  doors  barricaded,  while  every 
small  aperture  from  above  and  below  was  bristling  with  rifles, 
Hashing  their  deadly  volleys  incessantly  into  the  little  band  below, 
who  stood  umpiailingl}^  returning  the  fire  at  every  exposed  aper- 
ture. The  gallant  men  were  falling.  The  intrepid  Mosby,  chafing 
like  a  tiger,  and  tiring  whenever  a  head  would  show  itself,  shouted 
with  infuriated  tones,  "Break  the  door  down."  Privates  J.  M. 
Sloan  and  W.  P.  Parks,  scouts  from  the  First  North  Carolina  cav- 
alry, gallantly  dashed  to  the  door  and  smaellfed  it  in  and  leaped  in 
the  passage,  amid  the  Hashes  of  pistols'in  their  faces,  shooting  the 
crowding  foe  down  right  and  left,  and  then  using  the  butts  of  their 
pistols  in  the  melee,  which  was  now  becoming  general,  as  others 
dashed  in  the  entrance  ;  for  a  few  moments  the  dread  strife  raged. 
They  were  crowded  and  thrust  back,  when  the  cry  of  "surrender'* 
eagerly  went  up  from  all  sides.  Nearly  twice  Mosby'i  entire  num- 
ber surrendered.  Mosby's  loss  was  several  wounded  and  a  few 
killed.  Among  the  killed  was  Private  G.  T.  Thornwell,  son  of  the 
celebrated  J.  H.  Thornwell,  D.D.,  LL.D.,  of  South  Carolina 
brave  and  noble  lad  as  ever  drew  sabre.  Mosby  was  hotly  pursued 
by  a  heavy  bod}T,  but  succeeded  in  eluding  his  pursuers  and  bring- 
ing out  nearly  all  the  prisoners. 

In  June  following,  while  Hooker's  army  was  in  motion,  Captain 
Mosby.  with  three  men,  penetrated  twenty  miles  into  the  JTai 
lines,  capturing  two  officers  and  eight  or  ten  privates,  and 
secured  Hooker's  despatches  to  Pleasanton,  containing  valuable  in- 
formation. The  despatches  and  the  prisoners  were  placed  in 
charge  of  two  privates  who  accompanied  him, and  sent  back  t<>  the 
Confederate  encampment.  lie  then  proceeded  alone  to  the  hank 
of  the  Potomac,  and  after  learning  that   Hooker  was  i 

ted  on  his  return  te  General  I.  kdqnarters.    Ou  his  route 

he  >tnpped  at  a  farm  house  for  the  purpose  of  making  some  inqui- 
ries ;  when,  hearing  noise  in  his  rear,  he  turned  and   per 
ceived  two  soldiers  picking  cherries  from  a  tree.     II"  imo 
mounted  hia  horse,  and,  riding  to  w\  men  were  ntand- 
(ng,  inquired  to  whal                   the}  belonged.     The} 

\       J        ■  . .  ilry.'"    Mosby  then  said  :    I  am  M 
M   jby,  of  the   Coufed< 
oners.''     The   men   immediately  Bun 
party  started  on  their  pray  to  ' 


i  28  8KHCHBS    FROM 

ing  to  fche  main  pil  I  ■  long  trainrof  Federal 

■H-.  guarded  by  cavalry.  He  al  once  turned  into  tbe  wo  >da 
with  hii  prisoners,  and  told  them  that  ho  was  in  ua  tight  plice, 
and  must  get  out.     B  1  entirely  on  them  for  his  escape  ;   if 

either  of  them  showed  the  slightest  Bign  to  betray  him,  he  would 

instantly  .-hoot  hiiii."     Having  thus  cauti< 1  them,  he  tied  their 

horses'  heada  together  to  prevent  their  escape,  and  starting  them 
in  a  gallop  in  front  of  him,  passi  I  the  long  train,  and  arrived 

safely  at  General  Lee's  headquarters  with  his  two  prisoners,  wh 
uniform.'  had  prevented   tie-  Yankee  *  cavalry  guarding  the  train 
from   capturing   him.     The  following  special  order   from   General 
Lee  shows  the  high  estimation  in  which   this  brave,  and  successful 
partisan  is  held  : 

SPECIAL  ORDERS  No.  82. 

His  Excellency  the  President  h  sd  to  show  his  apprecia- 

tion of  the  good  services  and  many  daring  exploits  of  the  gallant 
.1.  S.  Moeby,  by  promoting  the  latter  to  a  Captaincy  in  the  Provis- 
ional Army  of  the  Confederal  The  G-eneral  commanding 
is  confident  that  this  manifestation  of  the  approbation  of  his  supe- 
riors will  but  serve  to  incite  Captain  Mosby  to  -till  greater  efforts 
to  advance  the  good  cause  in  which  he  is  engaged.  Ho  will  at 
once  proceed  to  Organize  his  command  as  indicated  in  the  letter  of 
instructions  this  day  furnished  from  these  headquarters. 

By  command  of  R.  E.  LEE. 

W.  W.  Taylor,  A.  A.  G. 

Mosby  performed  the  important  service  of  reconnoitering  tho 
countrv  in    advance   of  General    Ewell    on    the    Pennsylvania  earn-' 
paigm     While  waiting  for  fahe  advance  guard  of  General  Ewell,  he 
engaged  and  routed  a  superior  body  of  Yankeo  cavalry  at  Sem 
Falls. 

After  returning  from  the  Pennsylvania  campaign,  he  betook  him- 
self again  to  his  old  haunts,  harassing  the  enemy's  line  of  commu- 
nication, and  BWOOplng  down  upon  any  small  party  that  should 
isolate  itself  from  the  main  body.  He  was  severely  wounded  in 
one  of  these  skirmishes^  but  lias  recovered. 

In  MeaoVa  last  advance  across  the  Rapidan,  Mosby  was  again  at 
work.  On  the  night  of  the  28th  of  November  he. pounced  down 
upon  the  enemy's  rear  at  Brandy  Station,  whipped  and  drove  off  a 


Hampton's  cavalry.  129 

superior  body  of  the  enemy,  captured  several  prisoners,  destroyed 
twenty-five  wagons,  and  brought  safely  off  one' hundred  and  twenty 
of  the  finest  class  of  mules. 


CHAPTER   XVI, 

SECOND  CAVALRY  FIGHT  AT  BRANDY   STATION — REORGANIZATION   OF  THE 
.     CAVALRY— WE    EVACUATE    OUR    LINE    ON    THE    RAPPAHANNOCK — EN- 
GAGEMENT AT    JACK'S    SHOP — THE    SPLENDID   PLANS   OF   THE   ENEMY 
THWARTED. 

That  part  of  the  line  held  by  Hampton  in  front  of  Brandy  Sta- 
tion was  advanced  upon  by  the  enemy's  cavalry,  early  on  the 
morning  of  the  1st  of  August.  After  driving  our  pickets  in  a 
mile  below  Brandy,  his  column,  a  whole  division  that  had  crossed 
over  in  the  night,  commenced  advancing  rapidly,  and  were 
promptly  met  by  Colonel  Baker,  commanding  the  brigade,  when  a 
sharp  fight  opened  between  the  dismounted  skirmishers  of  each 
party.  The  enemy's  superior  numbers  gave  him  greatly  the  ad- 
vantage in  flanking,  which  compelled  our  men  to  relinquish  our' 
first  position.  We  withdrew  back  about  half  a  mile  upon  a  line 
below  the  station.  In  the  meantime  tlje  enemy  came  pressing  on. 
Captain  Hart  was  withdrawing  his  batteries  to  the  slopes  in 
front  of 'the  Kennedy  house  when  a  column  of  Yankee  cavalry 
came  dashing  down  the  west  side  of  the  railroad,  evidently  with 
the  view  of  reaching  it.  when  the  Jeff.  Davis  Legion  was  wheeled, 
supported  by  the  Cobb  Legion,  and  met  them  in  fieri  md 

drove  them  back.  At  the  same  time  another  column  was  <hllect- 
ing  around  00  the  east  side  of  the  railroad,  attempting  to  gain  our 
fight  think  before  we  could  get  into  position,  who  i  by 

the  First  9outo  Carolina,  supported  by  the  Phillips  Legion, ina 
most  gallant  Style,  driving  them  back  in  a  most  handsome  manner. 
At  this  juncture  the  whole  plain,  stretching  out  back  to  the  slopes 
at  the  station,  presented   the  app<  nance  of  one  moving  i 
Y  .  horsemen. 

17 


180  -ox 

Colonel  Baker,  with  great  ajtolness,  formed  the  brigade  to  mi 
the  coming  shock  ot  these  immense  odds,  as   they  rapidly  moved 
up.     Our  battle  line  extended   from   the   Kennedy  house  on  the 
right,  across  the  plain  to  B  tote1  farm  on  the  left.    The  fight   had 
110%  been  provoked,  and  the  enemy  saw  from  cur  spirit,  that,  not- 
withstanding their  superior  numbers,  the  ground  was  to  be  hotly 
1.     On   they  ciinic  with   thundering    tread   as  their   long 
lines  swelled  out  over  these  oid  historic  plains.     Hart's  battery  had 
taken  position  and  was  playing  b<   lutifully  upon  their  ranks.     The 
lines  of  skirmishers  of  each  party  were  being  taken  up  for  m 
fearful  work.     The  w<»rd  "charge  "  is  given-    The  whole  line  leap 
forward  Bquarely,  with  sabre.in  hand,  raising  the  battle  yell  ;  at  it 
they  go,  intermingling  the  clashing  steel   with  the   popping  of 
pistols.    The  opposing  ranks  commingle,  obscured  by  the  dust  and 
smoke,  horses  and  riders  go  down  in  the  dread  strife.     The  enemy's 
heavy  columns  recoil  and  give  back  before  the  well  plied  Babres  of 
our  intrepid  troopers,  when  a  heavy  fresh  column  advances  on  our 
flanks,  and   rolis  us  of  the  bard-earned  advantage.     Our  line  is 
dexterously    withdrawn   and    slowly    retires   beyond   the    point    of 
the   flanking   columns,    when    it  'again   wheels    and    strikes    the 

Yank ilumn  right  and  left,  and   under   the   same    circumstances 

is   compelled    to   retire   before   the   overwhelming    columns   of  the 

pressing  foe  ;  Parthian:like  dealing  blows  as  we  retire.     An  exten« 

b  flank  movement  is  attempted  on  our  right  flank  to  gain  our 
rear.  OolOnel  Baker  rallies  the  men,  who  are  almost  worn  down 
from  the  extreme  heat,  and  sweeps  at  the  head  of  part  of  his 
troops  iii  tne  charge  to  the  fight,  bul  the  brave  hero  falls  severely 

wounded    at  the    first   onset,  and    is    borne    off  the    field.      Colonel 

Young,  of  Cobb's  Legion,  dashes  to  the  front  and  gallantly  leads 

the  shattered  and  torn  columns  forward;  they  dash,  yelling,  upon 
the  eiieinv,  whose  first  lines  bfeak  hack  upon  the  second.  Our 
line  then  falls  back  .-lowly,  contesting  every  inch. of  ground.  The 
gallant  Young  too  IS  borne  from  the  field  severely  wounded,  shout- 
ing  to  his  men  as  he  fell  to  tight  on.  Colonel  Black,  of  the  First, 
South  Carolina,  then  takes  command,  ho  too  receives  a  wound  and 
is  compelled  to  leave  the  field.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Lipscomb,  of 
the  Second  South  Carolina,  gallantly  fights  the  wearied  and  shat- 
tered columns  over  the  smoke-wrapped  held,  and  only  stubbornly 
yields  when  forced  back  by  the  weight  of  numbers  ;  he  too  is  in- 
capacitated  by  a   severe    wound.     The  command  then   devolves 


Hampton's  cavalry.  131 

upon 1 ,  who  still  leads  the  men  to  the  best  advantage 

against  the  enemy,  who  are  fast  becoming  weary  of  the  fight. 
This  little  column  has  borne  up  all  day  wi (limit  any  assistance. 
Late  in  the  evening  a  brigade  of  infantry  moves  up  to  their  sup- 
port at  a  double-quick,  and  rush  upon"  the  Ifankee  troopers,  firing 
deadly  volleys  into  their  ranks,,  emptying  many  a  saddle  The 
Yankee  columns  break,  and  a  grand  skedaddle  ensues.  Pursuit  <>n 
foot  becomes  the  height  of -folly,  yet  the  Yankee  troopers'  speed  is 
none  the  least  abated  until  he  reaches  the  farthest  end  of  the  plain, 
near  Brandy  Station.  Our  loss  was  heavy,  while  we  int!: 
cording  to  their  own  reports,  a  loss  of  three  to  one  upon  the 
enemy.  No  fight  of  the  war  has  been  conducted  so  long  and  so 
fiercely  against  such  overwhelming  odds — fighting  with  one  small 
brigade  against  two  full  divisions,  with  his  mounted  rilles  as  sharp- 
shooters, and  several  pieces  of  artillery-— conducted  in  an  open 
field  throughout,  where  no  advantage  in  position  could  be  offered 
to  either  party.  Captain  Hart's  battery  was  nobly  worked  against 
the  enemy's:  but  his  ammunition  became  exhausted  about  the 
middle  of  the  fight,  and  he  was  compelled  to  retire.  The  following 
eloquent  order  was  issued  to  the  brigade  from  our  cavalry  chief 
a  few  days  afterwards  : 

Headquarters  Cavalry  Division. 
Army  Northern'  Virginia,  August  6,  1m'-3. 
GENERAL  ORDERS  No.  27, 

The  gallant  and   spirited    resistance  offered   by  Hampton's  brig- 
ade, Colonel  L.  S.  Baker  commanding,  to  a  body  of  the  enem 
cavalry,  greatly  superior  in  numbers,  on  the  1st  instant,  d 
the  highest  commendation  at  the  hands  of  the  division  commaader. 

The  good'condurt  of  the  officers  and  men  of  tb 
in  such  a  conflict,  reflects  the  highest  credit  upon  I 
and  gobd  soldierly  qualities,  and  is  worthy  ol  the  i  •■'  the 

entire  division. 

In  this  contest  the  horae  artillery  as  usual  perform* 
equal  in   heroism  to  its  already  brilliant  pi  and  bill  for  the 

supply  of  ammunition  on   the   field    ! 

mv's  loss,  confessedly  more   than  three  times  Oflr  0WB,  tVOttld    I 
been  far  greater. 

The  division  moaroi  the  I  me  bravi 

wounded  who  for  a  time  have  lefi  as,  will,  it  i  -  be 


i:;2  sketch1 

!    to    our    ranks,  to    etriki     agmio    for    independence    and 

rv. 

Let  the  sons  of         C  irolinjji  and  the  Gnlf  in  Virginia  continue 

to  rival  the  beroiam  of  their  noble  comrades  of  Yieksburg  and 

Charleston,  remembering  tint  every  blow  struck  at  the  enemy,  no 

matter  where,  is  a  blow  Tor  Itomc  and  its  haUowd  righU, 

J.  I!.   B.  STUART,  Major  Gerund. 

The  cavalry  of  the  army  about  the  1st  of  September  underwent 
a  reorganisation.  Comprising  only  one  division  heretofore,  it  was 
divided  into  two,  composing  a  cavalry  corps,  still  under  the  o>ni- 
mand  of  its  skillful  and  gallant  chieftain,  General  J.  E.  B.  Stuart. 
General  Hampton,  promoted  sine,  receiving  his  wounds  to  Major 
General,  was  placed  m  command  ol  the  firal  division,  and  Genera] 
Fit/..  Lee.  also  promoted  to  Major  General,  was  assigned  to  tho 
second  division.  The  former  wa.-  composed  of  Young's  brigade, 
consisting  of  tho  First  and  Second  South  Carolina  Regiments,  the 
Cobb  Legion,  the  Jeff.  Davis  Region,  and  the  Phillips  Legion; 
Gordon's  brigade,  consisting  of  the  First,  Second,  Fourth  and  Filth 
North  Carolina  Regiments:  and  R  laser's  brigade, consisting  ot  the 
Eleventh  and  Twelfth  Virginia  Regiments;  General  Pitz.  I. 
division  was  composed  of  W.  II.  1'.  Lee's,  Wickham's  and  Lome 
brigades. 

General  Lee,  a  few  days  after  this  affair,  withdrew  his  army 
south  of  the  Rapidan,  with  the  view,  in  case,  Meade  should  ad- 
vance, of  offering  him  battle  on  this  favorable  line,  leaving  tin 
cavalry  to  picket  and  watch  his  movements  <hi  his  front  lines. 
Tie-  enemy  lay  remarkably  quiet  until  the  13th  ot  September, 
when  he  commenced  a  general  advance  along  the  entire  lines  held 
by  the*  cavalry,  who,  in  accordance  with  a  preconcerted  plan,  fell 
back  before   them,  however   hotly  contesting   the  advance  where  a 

favorable  opportunity  offered,  ojm  horse  artillery  performing  nobly 

its  part  "in  checking  the  enemy's  columns,  but  unfortunately  lie 
rashness  lost  us  three  pieces  by  attempting  to  hold  them  too  Ion-. 
The  gunners  oobly  worked  them  to  the  last,  causing  the  enemy  to 
pay  dearly  for  the  prize. 

The  differenl  commands  fought  their  way  slowly,  checking  the 
enemy's  advance,  an  1  at  dark  safely  retired  across  the  Rapidan. 
The  following  day  the  enemy's  cavalry  and  artillery  appeared  at 
sonte  of  the  different  fords,  in  which  mutual  shelling  engaged  each 


Hampton's  cavaley.  133 

party  with  little  effect.  Q.ur  cavalry  was  thrown  on  each  flank, 
Hampton's  division  holding  the  position  on  the  left  along  the  Rob- 
inson River  up  to  Madison  C.  H.,  Fit/,.  Lee  the  right  on  the  Rapi- 
dan.  In  vain  General  Lee  Tay  and  awaited  the  approach  of  Meade, 
who  had  advanced  as  far  as  Culpeper  C.  H.,  and  began  putting  up 
winter  quarters  by  pulling  down  all  the  untenanted  dwellings  in 
the  vicinity,  converting  them  into  numerous  huts  for  his  soldi' 
not  even  churches ^vere  spared,  but  were  sacrilegeously  dismantled 
for  this  purpose  ;  nothing  but'the  framework  of  the  finest  mansions 
were  left  standing,  the  monuments  of  vandal  wantonness. 

While  quietly  picketing  the  line  of  the  Robinson  River,  the  ene- 
my's cavalry  suddenly  advanced  on  the  upper  part  of  the  line  near 
Madison  C.  H.>  held  by  Colonel  Funsten,  commanding  Jones'  brig* 
ade,  on  Monday  evening,  the  21st  September.  The  three  divisi 
of  Gregg,  Buford  and  Kilpatrick  were  ascertained  to  be  moving  in 
this  direction.  Colorfel  Funsten  skirmished  with  their  advance, 
and  fell  back  that  night  to. Tack's  shop,  on  the  Madison  and  Ora'l 
turnpike,  some  six  miles  below.the  Court  House.  General  Stuart 
with  the  three  brigades  of  Hamptofi's  division  and  several  pieces 
of  his  horse  artillery,  took  position  at  the  shop  next  morning. 
During  the  night  the  enemy  hnd  moved  Gregg's  division  round  to 
our  left,  Buford's  moved  down  the  pike  and  occupied  our  front, 
while  Kilpatrick  had  by  a  forced  march  bore  undiscovered  far 
round  to  our  right.  Against  these  superior  odds  and  well  laid 
combinations  only  three  small  brigades  of  our  cavalry  could  be 
brought  to  bear.  Our  forces  met  Buford  a  shod  distance  beyond 
Jack's  shop,  where  the  sharpshooters  and  artillery  of  each  party 
became   actively  I.     Our   men  were   gallantly  holding   the 

positioB,  when  the  enemy,  fron  In-  superior  numbers,  was  disi 
ered  throwing  a   heavy  body  round   through  the  woods  to  QUI  lift, 
which  caused  as  to  fall  hack  and  take  anothi  r  position,  below  the 
village.     Tie-  ruga-rineiit  u -.is  continuing  hotly  round  the  vill 
with  but    little  advantage  to  eithei  party,  when  infortnati 
that  Kilpatrick    had   gone  round   and  the  Ka:  Wil- 

hite'a  ford,  had  reorossed  at  Libert}  M 
M  ciisoii  pike  m  our  rear.     G  a<        -  to  withd 

hit-  I  'lietly  from    ].  nth 

>lina   reginnnt    to   hold    him   in   i 
Buford  had  ap  f'"1 

a. id  attempted  to  pi  Colonel  1 


134    • 

comb,  of  the  Second  S  >uth  Carolina,  gallantly  met  him;  a  stubborn 
hand   to  hai  aed,  checking  and  driving  him  hack,  and 

then  slowly  retired  after  the  column,  that  had  roel  Kilpatrick  about 
two  miles  below.  The  command  wan  novi  completely  surrounded, 
and  no  recourse  but  to  fight  out  or  surrender.  The  former  alter- 
native was  resolved  upon.     <>  >de  up  ami  down  their  linei 

.  apprised  the  men  of  their  awful  situation,  encouraging;  them 
to  do  their  best.  The  confidenl  enemy  began  to  press  in  front 
and  rear — then  was  presenter  the  novel    Bight   of  fighting    the 

!my  m  front  and  rear  at  (he  Bame  time.  Our  gons  from  the 
same  hill  pointed  both  ways,  opened  vigorously  upon  the  circum- 
venting* columns  of  tli«>  enemy.  A  portion  of  J  Brigade,  the 
Phillips  Legion;  Fourth  North  ('  irolina  and  the  Cobb  Legiou,  w 
ordered  to  charge  the  enemy  in  front,  which  was  performed  in  a 
most  gallanl  Btyle,  breaking  their  col umus, driving  them  across  the 

iidan  at  Liberty  Mills,  capturing  about  one  hundred  and  fifty 
prisoners.  Buford  was  held  in  check  in  the  rear,  formerly  our 
front.  Kiljiatriek  was  closeIy*followed  up  od  the  Orange  Bide,  and 
after  1  Bharp  fight  above  the  Mills  he  was  driven  back  across  the 
river  about  dark, losing  several  prisoners.     Oar  loss  in  this  en- 

■  in. -t.t  was  aboul  one  hundred  killed,  wounded  and  missing. 
Colonel  Wm.  Deloney,  of  the  Cobb  Legion,  was  Beverelj  wounded 
and  fell  into  the  enemy's  bauds — one  ot  our  most   gallant  officers. 

The  enemy's  loss  was  taiued  to  have  I a  upwards  of  three 

hundred  killed,  wounded  and  captured.     Among  the  captured  I 

Ivilpatiiek's  Adjutant,  a  Captain  Irwin — who  had  been  eaptnred  at 
tysburg,  and  had  violated   his  parole.  • 

Gregg's  Division,  that  had  gone  round  on  the  right,  mad.-  a  dash 

at    OUT    e  mips,  near  the    junotioh   of    the    BobinSOO    and    Knpidan 

Etivers  on  the  neck  knowaasthe  Boras  Shoe,  where  alone  the 
First  South  Carolina  Regiment  and  the  Jeff.  Davis  Legion  boldly 
met  the  in,  and  gave  1 1 1-  in  such  ii  warm  reception,  as  to  satisfy  them 
that  bhey  could  make  nothing  in  that  quarter)  causing  them  to 

retire  in  the  direction  of  .Madison  C.  II. 

On  the  following  morning,  Genera]  Stuart  having  received  rein- 
forcements trom  Pitz.  Lee's  division,  followed  alter  the  enemy  and 
drove  them  lata  that  evening  precipitately  across  the  Robinson 
River.  The  enemy  had  started  provisioned  with  several  days' 
rations,  and  doubtless  proposed  an  extensive  raid  upon  our  com- 
munipation  in  rear,  in  which  old   pet  object    he  was    toiled  by  the 


Hampton's  cavalry.  135 

superior  courage  and  hard  fighting  of  our  men.  The  enemy  had 
the  plans  on  us,  but  sadly  lacked  the  pluck  to  carry  them  out. 
Colonel  j3t.  Leger  Grenfell,  a  British  cavalfy  officer,  who  was  pres- 
ent on  the  occasion  with  Stuart,  expressed  himself  at  the  surpri- 
singly happy  termination  of  this  affair  "as  one  of  the' most  brilliant 
on  record.  The  depressing  influences  that  usually  attend  troops 
when  they  know  they  are  surrounded,  were  not  evinoecLin  the' 
slightest  manner  b^T  the  men,  but  each  man  when  being  appri 
of  the  situation,  only  gritted  his  teeth  the  more  savagely  and 
grasped  his  sword  the  firmer,  and  that  under  such  circumstan- 
ces the  best  Continental  cavalry  would  have  thrown  down  their 
arms;"* but  these  ragged  sons  of  freedom,  "who  feed  their  horses 
on  weeds,  and  pay  a  dollar  a  piece  for  horse  shoe  nails,"  presented 
the  striking  anomaly  of  turning, a  whip  into  a  whip  by  shaking  an 
enemy  twice  their  numbers  off  their  back,  and  kicked  him  far 
enough  to  the  rear  so  as. to  deal  a  stunning  blow  to  another  of 
equal  size  in  front,  and  kept  it  up  till  he  was  sore  of  the  job  he 
had  undertaken. 


B KETCHES    FROM 


CHA  Pf  B  B   XVII. 
QBHBBAL   l.Vi  [JPON   MEADEB   FL  \\K— BT0  LBTB  BPLHHDID 

with  Gordon's   \m>  rotJNo's  brigades  at  bobibsob  an 

>RDtB  POJ  LOWS  DP  THJ  kXD  attacks  THEM  BEAR  OULPEPBB 

•    COURT  HOUSB,AND    ^GAIN  ROUTS  THEM— FITZ.  LEI  ATTACKS  IB 
ATXOBTOH   LOT  RACCOON  FOBBfi  3EVERE  FIOHT ENTIRELY 

ROUTS  THKM— THI'V  STAND  AND  GIVE  FIGHT  AT 8TBTEN8BUB(|,  BUT   IBB 
AGAIN  ROUTED — BTUABT    \\I>  KIT.'..  I  IK   MAKE  A  JUNCTION  AT  BB 
STATION— ANOTHER  BEYEBE  DAY  '  B8,  AND  T11K  BNBMT 

AGAH  ROUTED  AND  DRIVEN  '•  B  IE  RAPPAHANNOCK — JONBS'.BRIG- 

ADH  BBOOUNTBB  GBEGG?8  CAVALB1  DIVISION  AT  JEFFERSON,  WD  AFTER 
"A  SEVERE  FIGHT,  DRIVES  HIM  ACROSS  THE  RIVKU  WITH  HEAVY  LOSS — 
GENERAL  YOUNG  BLUFFS  THE  BNBMY  AT  CULPEPEB-  ITS  BUBs 

ROUNDED  AT  AUBURN — CUTS  HI-  W  \V  OUT — THE  AFFAIR  AT  HRISToW — 
STUART  PUSHES  THE  KXEMY's  BRAE  AND  ENGAGES  HIM  AT  M  WASSAS-"- 
MEADE  MAKES  HI.-  B8CAPE — OUU  ARMY  RETIRE  AFTKK  DESTBOYING  THE 
RAILROAD — STUART  DRAWS  HLPATRICK  ON  EH  PURSUIT  TIHNS  UPON 
HIM  AND  ROUTS  1HM  WITH  HEAVY  I."—.  CAPTURING  SEVERAL  WAGONS 
AND  AMBULANCES  AND  A  GOOD  NUMBER  OF  PRISONERS  RETIRES  LFTBB 
THE  ARMY  ACROSS  THE  RAPPAHANNOCK — TAIDI  OHIVALBI  VI. 
WOMEN. 

The  circumstances  surrounding  tne  enemy's  occupancy  of  Cul-< 
peper  pave  ntt  tokens  of  active  operations  upon  our  lines  on  the 
Rapidan.  Accordingly  General  Lee  resolved  6  a  Hank  movement 
upon  his  position,  hoping  thereby  to  draw  the  enemy  ou1  and  com- 
pel him  to  an  open  engagement,  or  failing  in  this  event,  by  rapid 
marches  to  bead  him  off  before  he  could  reach  his  fortifications  in 
his  rear,  and  force  him  to  an  issue.  His  plan  being  to  throw  Mi 
forces  across  the  upper  lords  of  tin-  Rapidan  and  move  unobserved 
on  hisrighi  Hank,  hie  fori  withdrawn  from  their  position  on 

the  Rapidan,  and  crossed  above  the  junction  of  the  Robinson  Etiver 

early  on  the  morning  of  the  8th  of  <  Ictohrr,  and   proceeded   in   the 

direction  of  Madison  Court  Boose.  A  bLow  of  force  in  front  of  the 
enemy  was  still  kept  up  on  the  Rapidan  by  burning  beavycamp 
fires,  and  by  keeping  our  regular  picket  force  in  front,  and  the  bet. 
ter  to  conceal  our  advance,  our  forces  were  led  along  meandering 


HAMPTONS   CAVALRY.  137 

by-ways,  evading  all  high  grounds,  so  as  Jo  keep  concealed  from 
the  enemy  from  their  lookouts  on  Thoroughfare  Mountain  and 
their  other  elevated  points. 

Late  Friday  evening  General  Stuart  advanced  with  Hampton'! 
cavalry  division,  bearing  considerably  round  to  the  right,  resting 
on  Friday  night  beyond   Madison    Court  Hon  I     |0nel   Cham- 

bliss,*commanding  General  W.  II.  F.  Lee's  brigade  was  ordered  to 
cross  the  Rapidan  River  at  Peyton's  Ford,  and    pieket  Robin 
River  and  keep  up  the  line  of  pickets  unbroken  till  he  could  swing 
round  by  Madison  Court  House,  and  cross  the  river  some  where  in 
that  vicinity. 

Early  the   following  morning,  the  10th,  Genernl    Stuart   cr 
the  Robinson   River  above  James  City.     Throwing   forward    Cor- 
don's brigade   in   front  and  Youngs  to  the  right,  the  enemy's  line 
of  pickets  were   charged  and  captured.     The  supports,  a  body  of 
cavalry  and    infantry,    were    discovered    near    Bethesda    Church. 
Lieutenant  Dandrell,  of  the  Jeff.  Davis  Legion,  making  the  recon- 
noissance,  reported  the  fact  to  General  Stuart  of  the  enemy's  infan- 
try   being    there    in    force.     He  turned   with  a   smile  of  nervous 
satisfaction,  "  they  are  the  very  bucks  I  want,"  ordered  a  r<  giment 
from  each  brigade  forward   to  charge  them.      Our  eager  troop 
fell  upon   them*  soon   confusing  and   putting   to  flight   the   whole 
force,  capturing  nearly  the  whole  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenti- 
eth New  York  infantry,  the  rest    breaking  with   the   fugitive  cav- 
alry, escaped  by  reaching  the  thick  wood   and   tlyi  e  moun- 
tains.    It  was  really  diverting  to  have  witnessed  I                 -  of  our 
dismounted  boys  chasing  the  fugitive  infantry,  bar]  iug  sad  yelp* 
ing  like  a   pack  of  hounds  in  close   chase  after  a  f 
around,  occasionally  one  would  jump  from  his  biding  plaoe  with 
ponderous  knapsack  and  well  packed  haversack;  with  shout, 
and  vociferations  the  pursuit  would  join:  "Unlimber  I 
(knapsack).     Oh.  you  might  as  well  throw  down  thai  :  1 
know   you  h                                                  k  little  bl 
dangling  from  the  belt  I ;  til  have  It.    Yon  'd  ji  I 

lew  unhealthy   Minie  m§*  would   have   the  sal;. 
ing  to  bay  Yankee,  coffee  sod  all. 

aing  up  tie  General  1  th  his 

briga  le   to  the   right    to  Thoroughf 
Stuart  with  Gordon't  lirectly 

road  l( 

18 


!i  th.it    pi  ice.      E  ?  morni!  -ininand  \v:is 

id  forward  after  the  retre  I  emy,  and  overtook  a  body  of 

Iry  a  Bborl   distance   from  the   Courl   House,  whom   Genera] 

q  to  ch  u  -"• :  he  led  with  the  F.  urth 
th  Carolina,  comm  inded  by  Golonel  » i.  D.  Ferebee,  in  advai 
He  it'll  upon  them  in  a  most  gallant  style,  rooting  and  driving 
them  in  wild  confusion,  capturing  a  pood   number.     Our  I 
small.     The  colonel  of  the  reg  severely  wounded,  nobly 

discharging  his  <luty  al  the  head  ol  his  column. 

While  tins  flank  movement  ffcac  g,in  the  meantime  the 

my  Bad  d  1  a  change  in  our  front,  and  had  Belf-compla* 

c.-ntlv  supposed  that  Lee  was  retiring  and  falling  hack  npoo  ELich- 
mond;  and  to  fully  ascertain  this  fact,  Buford  had  taken  out  his 
division  on  Sunday  morning  to  make  a  reconno  beyond   the 

Raptdan,  and  was  crossing  at  Morton's  Ford,  when  Fitz.  Lee,  who 
had  been  left  at  these  f<  ked  him  and  drove  him  immedi« 

ately  back  across  the  river,  crosB<  d  his  command,  and  {pressed  after 
.him;  he  attempted  to  stand  on  the  Stringfellow  Farm,  hut  was 
beaten  and  routed  with  heav]  nd  driven  in  the  direction  of 

Stevensburg,  where  he  rallied  hi  ea  and  fought  desperately 

for  some  time,  hut  Fit/.  ana  compelled  him   to  yield, 

leaving  the  ground  strewn  with  dead  men  and  horses.     Pit  s.  I. 

ime  gallant  spirits,  among  them  Cap- 
tain W.  B.  Newton,  commanding  the  Fourth  Virginia— a  pure  and 
(generous  spirit  ;..  I  a  brave  and  noble  officer. 

Qeneral  Stuart  had  left  Fouog's  brigade  behind  at  Thoroughfare 
Mountain,  and  despatched  Funster  round  on  the  left  on  the  Etixey* 
ville  Road;  and  with  Gordon's  brigade, after  routing  the  enemy  at 
the  last  named  point,  moved  directly  on  Olllpep<  r,  cap!  urine.-  >ev- 
eral  prisoners.  The  main  body  had  retired  in  the  direction  ot 
Brandy, destroying  what  commissary  stores  there  were  left  behind, 
where  the  divisions  of  Opatnck  had  reached,  and  Buford  waa^att 
beating  a  retreat  before  Fit/..  Lee.  General  Stuart  pushed  on  rap- 
idly to  effect  a  junction  with  the  latter  at  or  near  that  point.  The 
whole  plain  Boutb  of  Brandy  wis  a  moving  mass  of  Yankee  ho 
men,  dashing  in  a  confused  pace  that  seemed  to  be  inclining  over 
to  the  left,  as  if  beating  a  retreat  in  that  direction.  Gordon's  brig- 
ade alone  had  reached  Botts'  fcrm,  about  8  mile  distant.  Stuart 
anxiously  stretches  his  gaze  to  the  south   fort  lUmnsof  Fit/. 

Lee,  and   then    upon    the    retreating    masses  of    the  Yankee?,  impa- 


Hampton's  cavalry.  1:19 

tiently,  and  soliloquizes  to  himself,  "Oh,  that  Fit/,.  Loe  only  was  dp 
to  time."  Immediately  the  dust  of  hii  advance  is  Been  rising,  and 
hia  guns  thundering  far  on  the  right  against  a  broken  column  of 
Yankees  that  he  is  driving  rapidly  before  him  in  the  direction  of 
Brand}'.  The  Yankees  betray  a  nervousness,  and  still  hear  to  the. 
left.  A  portion  of  Gordon's  brigade,  the  Fourth  and  Filth  North 
Carolina  regiments,  under  that  gallant  officer,  led  by  Stuart  in 
person,  are  thrown  forward  and  meet  the  advan.ce  of  the  Yankee 
column  just  .beyond  John  Minor  Butts',  and  were  charging  this 
body  with  evidence  of  success,  when  suddenly  a  heavy  column  of 
the  enemy  pours  over  the  hill  upon  their  flank  ;  it  is  with  the  ut- 
most dexterity  the  command  is  withdrawn,  and  Generals  Stuart 
and  .Gordon,  who  were  mingling  in  the  charge,  barely  escape 
capture. 

In  this  affair  it  is  due,  to  relate  an  incident  of  coolness  unrivalled. 
As  these  two  regiments  were  driven  back,  Private   II.  W.  Ahwin- 
der,  Company  F,  of  the  Fifth  North  Carolina,  being  mounted  on 
quite  an  inferior  charger  (favoritely  known  in  the  company  as  Billy 
Patterson),  in  wheeling  suddenly  to  make  the  retreat.  Hilly  losing 
his  equilibrium,  fell  with   his  devoted   master  under   him.     In  this 
uncomfortable  position  a  part  of  our  column  ami  the  entire  Yankee 
column  passed  over  miraculously  without  hurting  either.     The  un- 
fortunate rider  lay  unable  to  i  himself  from  Billy- 
rous  weight,  who  quietly  lay  stretched  out   his  full   length,  making 
no  efforts  f"  rise.     The  Yankee  column  was  being  in  the  meantime 
beaten  back  in  another  direction,  and  those  who  were  dismout 
in  the  light  were  making  their  way  back.     One  of  the.  dismounted 
party  was  running  down  the,  road  inwards  our  entangled  hero,  - 
poising  himself  on  his  elbow,  drew  up  hii  t.i 
his  shoulder  and  coolly  demanded  a  surrender.     The  Y-mk' 
down   his   arms  and   acknowledged    himself  taken  iii 
wet."    The  firmer  extended  this  mortification  still  further  by  hold- 
ing his  bead  on  the  game,  compelling  tie-  p 
tricating  hia  From  hii  un protean  1  Bittu 

At    this  juncture  the  coluo  T        \ 

hastily  fprm  on  the  first  hue  of  i 

artillery  i-  thrown  forward  and  worked  with   U 

while  the  enemy's  guns  respond  with   a 

The  sharpshooters  ol   each  part3  bill  bl 

Our  columns  with   drawn  trot  across  th< 


140  SKETCHES    FROM 

old  l>;it tie-ridden  plains,  rocking  with  the  thunders  of  artillery 
raking  op  and  plowing  the  earth  in  devilish  fury;  as  they  near  the 
enemy's  column  the  trot  is  b purred  to  a  gallop,  accompanied  with 
the  demon  yell  that  lives  the  Southern  troopers  to  tie/  wildest  fury  ; 
they, with  raised  sabres  unquailingly  dash  into  the  Hashes  .if  the 
Yankee  pistols  that  greet  thctn  in  successive  volleys.  The  two 
hostile  columns  interlock  :  the  Yankees  are  forced  back  from  their 
position  upon  heavy  supports  behind;  our  renewed  efforts  still 
push  them  back,  and  at  last  at  twilight  the  field  is  cleared — the 
smoke-wrapt  plain  of  Brandy  is  again  ours!  The  enemy  made  a 
most  stubborn  resistance,  and  it  was  only  by  straight  forward, 
hard  fighting  that  he  was  compelled  to  yield,  leaving;  a  large  Dum- 
ber of  killed,  seventy-five  wounded,  and  three  hundred  prisoners 
in  our  hands.  Our  loss  was, about  eighty  killed  and  wounded. 
The  enemy  during  the  night,  under  cover  of  his  guns,  crossed  the 
.Rappahannock. 

A  remarkable  instance  of  individual  courage  and  daring  oc- 
curring in  one  of  the  desperate  charges  is  here  worthy  of  notice. 
Joe  Loving,  a  fearless  and  intrepid  soldier  of  the  First  North 
Carolina,  in  the  charge,  sprang  far  into  the  enemy's  ranks,  boro 
out  a  Yankee  otlicer  and  halted  a  few  paces  from  the  column — the 
bullets  were  whizzing  thick  through  the  air — he  made  the  Yankeo 
rein  up  at  his  side,  who  betrayed  the  greatest  impatience  to  get 
out  of  such  a  hot  place,  coolly  unslung  his  carbine  and  went  to 
picking  off- blue-coats  with  as  much  nomckalanM  as  though  he  was 
shooting  gray  squirrels  in  the  woods.  The  frightened  tinselled 
begged  and  implored  to  be  taken  to  the  rear,  but  cool  Joe  still 
continued  to  level  and  bring  down  his  victim.  "  My  God,"  he  -ex. 
claimed,  "we  will  both  be  killed,  let's  get  away  from  here." 
"  Wh  ,t.  leave  here?"  the  former  retorted,  "imrv  time — thar's  a 
fair  acre  of  you  blue-bellies  overthar,  and  I  've  got'to  see  it  cleared 
first."  Joe  continued  to  give  them  the  best  he  had,  till  he  had  the 
satisfaction  of  seeing  his  favorite  ''  acre"  cleared,  and  safely  bore 
off  his  trembling  prisoner,  of  whom  he  averred  that  even  after  the 
danger  was  over  "he  still  continued  to  be  scared  into  three  fits  <u 
minute." 

The  next  morning  General  Stuart  resumed  his  march  and  crossed 
the  Hazel  River,  and  proceeded  on  to  Jeffersonton  on  the  Rixey- 
ville  road  in  front  of  General  Ewell's  corps.  Colonel  Funsten,  com- 
manding Jones'  brigade,  had  moved  on  in  front  and   came  up  with 


Hampton's  cavalry.  141 

Gregg's  whole  cavalry  division  at  Jeffersonton,  where  he  had  post- 
ed liis  forces  in  a  strong  position,  behind  houses,  hills,  and  the 
stone  walls  of  a  church.  The  Eleventh  Virginia  regiment  was  in 
advance;  the  other  cavalry  was  still  behind.  This  regiment  was 
dismounted  as  sharpshooters,  and  promptly  charged  the  enemy, 
and  after  a  most  gallant  attack  had  to  fall  back  with  loss.  Ram* 
seur's  brigade,  of  Rhodes'  division,  now  came  up  and  appeared  in 
the  enemy's  front,  opening  a  brisk  skirmish  with  him  ;  while  Gen- 
eral Stuart,  with  the  Twelfth* Virginia,  bore  round  to  the  left  and 
led  a  bold  and  successful  charge  on  the  flank,  and  routed  them  in 
confusion,  driving  them  over  the  Rappahannock.  The  enemy 
posted  a  strong  guard  of  infantry  and  dismounted  cavalry  to  hold 
the  ford.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Massie,  of  the  Twelfth  Virginia,  was 
ordered  to  charge  it,  which  he  did  in  the  most  gallant  style,  under 
a  most  galling  fire  qf  artillery  Bnd  musketry.  After  crossing  .he 
Vigorously  followed,  charging  another  body  that  had  rallied.  Le 
cleared  the  hills  beyond.  In  this  engagement  we  killed  and 
wounded  upwards  of  two  hundred,  capturing  about  five  hundred 
prisoners.  Our  loss  was  pretty  severe,  mostly  in  wounded.  These 
charges  were  made  under  the  eye  of  General  Lee  and  General 
Rhodes,  who  witnessed  with  the  highest  satisfaction  the  result--. 
declaring  that  no  troops  could  have  behaved  better. 

It  seemed  that  the  Yankees  were,  up  to  Monday  morning,  in 
doubt  as  to  the  real  proportions  of  our  demonstrations.  And  Mon- 
day morning,  after  Stuart  left  Brandy,  he^  sent  bark  across  the 
Rappahannock,  at  Kelly's  Ford,  two  divisions  of  cavalry,  the 
second,  third  and  sixth  corps,  to  make,  a  reconnoissanoe.  They 
pushed  on  to  Brandy,  where  Colonel  Rosser,  with  about  two  hun- 
dred men  and  one  piece  of  artillery,  had  been  left  to  watch  out  for 
any  movement  from  below.  The  enemy  appeared  suddenly  in  the 
evening;  Colonel  Rosser  dismounted  his  command  and  deployed 
them  as  sharpshooters;  with  these  and  his  gun  he  fought  them, 
retiring  from  hill  to  hill,  in  the  direction  of  Qulpeper  0.  II..  wl 
a  large  train  of  A.  P.  Hill's  wagon  train  had  arrived.  In  tho 
meantime  General  Younir,  with  his  brigade  that  had   I  I  he- 

hind  at  Thoroughfare  Mountain,  receiving   Colonel   1; 
sage,  hurried  up  and  took-p-isition  beyond   the  Court  House,     lb- 
dismounted  nearly  his  entire  brigadi 

hhmee  of  an  extensive  front,  and  boldly  skirmished  with  then  and 
opened  his  few  pieces  of  artillery  with  a  vim  upon  the  enemy's 


1  LJ  SKETCH! 

advance;  which  was  vigorously  kepi  114 >  till  night.     He  had  his 
men  to  build  uj>  ■  camp  fires  along  the  entire  front,  and 

bad  his  brass  band  brought  to  the  front  and  played  every  martial 
air  that  could  be  thought  of  till  lat.'  in  the  night.  This  gal- 
lant  young  genera]  thus  adroitly  baflfed  ami  kept  the  enemy  off; 
who  deeming  this  bold,  open-banded,  defiant  proceeding  as  ema- 
nating from  a  heavy  force,  quietly  withdrew  in  the  latter  pari  <>f 
the  nfght  and  recrossed  the  Bappahannock,  who  trotted  doggedly 
mi  the  tracks  of  their  retreating  comrades,  who  had,  by  this  time, 
learned  something  of  the  extanl  of  Lee's  movements',  asd  v 
making  Gilpin  speed  to  evade  him. 

The  enemy  had  now  become  lull  sensible  of  his  poeitton,  and 
was  running  with  all  his  might  for  1ms  works  near  Washington  :  his 
columns  were  puehing  along  the  line  of  the  Orange  and  Alexandria 
Bailroad.  Ewell  was  moving  rapidly  in  his  rear;  Hill  was  bearing 
round  so  as  to  gain  his  front  before  reaching  Manassas  ;  Stuart 
placed  between  She  two  columns.  • 

After  defeating  the  enemy  al  Warrenton  Bprings,  General 
Stuart  moved  on  to  Warrenton,  clearing  Swell's  front,  and  bivou- 
acked near  that  place.     Next  m ing  abonl  ten  o'clock,  he  tooh 

L'unax's.  (iordon's  and  Funsten's  brigades  and  proceeded  in  the 
direction  of  Catlett's  Station  to  make  a  reconuoissance.  Grossing 
the  road  Leading  from  Warrenton  Junction  to  Greenwich.be  le*ft 
Lomax's  brigade  as  a  guard  in  bis  rear,  and  was  proceeding  with 
the  others  on  in  the  direction  of  Catlett's  Station  in  order  to  gain 
the  llank  of  the  enemy  passing  there.  In  the  meantime  the  enemy 
passed  a  column  of  theirs  round  on  this  Greenwich  Road,  and  in  its 
course  accidentally  placed  itself  between  Genera]  Stuart  and  the 
force4  ai  the  cross-roads,  and  ah. 'in  dark  he  found  himself  com* 
pletery  cut  off.  This  column  moving  on  his  left  and  the  one  down 
the  railroad  on  his  right,  he  found  himself  suddenly  in  an  uncom- 
fortable angle,  with  the  base  also  a  moving  mass  of  Yank- 
Fully  ascertaining  his  position  afcoul  dark,  he  turned  in  to  the  left 
a  short  distance  off  the  road  pear  Auburn,  and  quietly  masked 
both  brigaides,  Gordon's  and  Funsten's,  and  Major  Beckham's  artil- 
lery, under  a  hill  as  close  as  man  and  horse  could  conveniently  be 
packed,  and  there  went  into  silent,  cheerless  bivouac  for  the  night. 
The  darkness  of  the  night  Beemed  to  favor  the  forlorn  situation, 
which,  however,  to  the  minds  of  the  mosl  sanguine,  without  some 
outside  "relief,  would   be  bul    a   prolongation   of  the  disaster  that 


Hampton's  cavalry.  143 

seemed  awaiting;  us  on  the  coming  morning,  should  the  enemy  still 
occupy  his  position,  or  in  more  hopeful  moments  could  we,  Micaw* 
ber-like,  hope  for  something  in  the  night  to  turn  up  and  relieve  us 
from  the  unpleasant  dilemma.  The  strictest  silence  was  enjoined  ; 
a  correspondent  fully  delineates  the  situation  dming  the  night. 
"Not  a  word  was  allowed,  except  in  a  low  whisper  ;  not  a  spark  of 
fire  could  be  struck,  while  the  long  night  we  stood  there  listening 
to  the  confused  sounds  of  that  mighty  column  of  armed  foes  pass- 
ing by  us  a  few  hundred  yards  off.  We  could  distinguish  by  the 
sound  everything  that  passed — the  murmur  of  infantry,  the  hoof* 
music  of  the  cavalry,  the  heavy  rumbling  of  artillery,  the  rattling 
of  wagons,  and  the  shouts  of  the  cattle  and  sheep  drivers.  Anx- 
iously we  waited,  the  morrow.  A  few  laid  down,  and  shivering, 
slept  :  many  watched  and  wondered  ;  many  whispered  thpir  con- 
jectures of  the  result: of  our  strange  situation.  All  were  quiet — 
the  horses  seemed  to  feel  the  necessity  of  it,  and  the  verv  mules  of 
the  ambulances,  though  they  had  not  been  fed  since  morning,  re- 
strained from  their  usual  demonstrative  cries.  All  waited  wonder* 
ingly  for  morning  ;  and  oh,  the  wild  waking  of  that  morning. 
Shortly  after  daylight  the  enemy  en  masse  were  seen  bivouacked 
on  a  hill  about  four  hundred  yards  olT,  making  fires  and  preparing 
to  cook  breakfast." 

The  morning  was  quite  foggy,  from  which  it  was  still  hoped  that 
the  enemy  would  pass  us  unobserved  ;  hut  the  firs!  rays  of  the  SUB 
lifted  it  away.     Yet  the  enemy  still  remained  with  .-tacked   arms, 
laughing  and  talking  in  high  glee  over  their  coffee  and  hard  tack, 
perfectly  unconscious  that  a  rebel  was  near.     General  Stuart  or- 
dered everything  in  readiness.     The  artillery  waa  suddenly  run  up 
to  the  top  of  the  hill,  and  all  seven  pieces  opened  at  once  on  the 
astounded  foe,  who  quickly  deployed  in  line  of  battle.     Our  guns 
continued  to  pour  it  into  their  ranks.     General   Gordon  with 
First  North  Carolina,  commanded  by  Colonel  Thos.  Etaffn, 
ordered  forward   to  charge   and    break   the   enemy's   line-.      The 
enemy  had  formed  in  three  lines  ;it  the  threatened  point.     'I 
brave  veteran,  troopers  went  down  npon  them  bysqaadn 
u  fearless  yell,  dashed  against  the  first  line  a:,!  bn  the 

point  of  tli''  sabre,  hurling  it  back  ii 

which    in   turn  is   like*  i  with 

lling  fire  into  tie  .inn, 

causing  a  temporary  recoil.    Their  noble  cominai 


144  f-KETCHEs    1-ROM 

front,  and  with  bis  tall  form  raised  high  in  the  stirrups,  hie  noble 
©ye  Hashing  tire,  he  earnestly  calls  oul  :  "  My  men,  all  1  ask  pf  you 
is  to  folio iv  me,"  and  had  scarcely  closed  his  lips  when,  a  fatal  hall 
pierced  him  through  and  reeli  d  him  from  his  saddle.  His  men,  as 
though  inspired  with  his  invincible  spirit,  with  vengeful  shout 
rush  with  redoubled  fury  upon  this  compact  line  of  the  enemy  and 
with  a  few  terrible  surges  throw  it  back  in  confusion  on  the  last 
line  ;  which  is  likewise  broken  and  scattered  before  the  clashing 
sabres  of  these  fearless  troopers.  This  successful  ell'ort  now 
opened  a  way  for  our  pent  up  columns.  The  artillery  and  all 
passed  on  safely  out.  General  Gordon,  who  had  borne  himself 
most  nobly  in  this  light,  had  captured  a  whole  infantry  regiment, 
but  a  superior  force  of  the  enemy  arriving  compelled  him  to  release 
it.  This  charge  has  scarcely  a  parallel  for  gallantry  and  sin- 
ful daring,  and  may  well  rival  the  most  brilliant  of  Murat's  gallant 
dashes.  General  Gordon  had  the  heel  of  his  boot  shot  away,  ami 
a  spent  ball  struck  him  a  hard  blow  on  the  side  of  the  nose.  Col- 
onel Baffin  was  left  mortally  wounded,  and  died  ;  he  was  a  most 
gallant  officer,  adevoted  patriot,  and  a  gentleman  in  the  highest 
traits*of  character  ;  our  other  loss  was  small.  The  enemy's  must 
have  been  considerable,  as  our  troopers  cleaved  many  down  in  the 
charge,  and  the  artillery  played    upon    them  With  good    effect. 

General  Stuart  made  a  detour  still  further  round  and  came  on 
the  rear  of  the  enemy's  Last  corps.  Keeping  well  upon  its  rear, 
captured  a  number  of  prisoners,  and  bivouacked  near  Warren  ton. 

On  the  same  evening,  A.  P.  Hill  dashed  for  the  enemy's  front  at 
Bristow  Station — but  who  had  made  such  extremely  fast  time  for 
the  last  eight  hours— but  struck  only  his  real,  which,  though  a  small 
affair,  failed  to  add  anything  to  that  officer's  laurels. 

The  Yankee  army  now,  by  its  remarkable  celerity,  had  placed 
itself  beyond  the  reach  of  Lee.  He,  however,  was  followed  up  by 
our  cavalry  the  following  day.  General  Fitz.  Lee,  with  his  cavalry 
followed  up  and?  attacked  the  enemy  at  Blackburn's  Ford,  on  Bull 
Run,  the  scene  of  the  battle  of  the  18th  July,  1861,  where  .he 
skirmished  and  drove  them  off.  General  Stuurt,  with  the  other 
division,  in  the  meantime,  proceeded  to  Bates'  Ford  to  cut  off  their 
wagon. train  ;  coming  up  with  tbe  enemy,  had  a  severe  light,  which 
continued  for  some  time  in  the  night,  driving  the  enemy  steadily 
before  him  across  Bull  Run.  Here  once  more  these  old  beaten 
plains  were  greeted  by  the  faint  notes  of  battle,  which  doubtless 


HAMPTONS   CAVALRY.  145 

to  our  retreating  foe  conjured  up  the  terrible  scenes  of  the  past, 
and  placed  them  far  from  wishing  to  cross  arms  with  us  again  upon 
those  ill-omened  plains. 

The  entire  command  bivouacked  for  the  night  on  these  waste 
and  desolate  plains,  which  from  its  thoroughly  desolated  appear- 
ance reminds  one*  that  it  had  really  been  plowed  and  sown  in 
salt.     Even  the  birds  seemed  lost  in  Hying  aCross  it.    '  • 

Meade  now,  by  his  remarkable  speed,  had  placed  himself  beyond 
pursuit,  from  which 'our  army  now  turned  and  gave  its  attei  jtion  to 
interrupting  his  line  of  communication,  in  destroying  the  fail  road, 
bringing  it  on  with  them  as  they  leisurely  retired  to  the  Rappa- 
hannnock. 

On  the  next  morning,  the  16th,  General  Stuart  left  Fitz.Lee  at 
Manassas  to  watch  the  movements  of  the  enemy  in  front,  and  with 
Hampton's  division  he  sot  out  to  make  an  expedition  in  their  rear: 
At  Groveton  he  met  the  enemy's  picket,  which  was  driven  in,  and 
then  moving  to  the  left  by  Gainesville,  he  crossed  the  Catharpin 
and  Little  Rivers,  and  fell  into  the  turnpike  below  Aldie,  and  then 
proceeded  to  the  rear  of  Frying  Pan.  where  he  encountered  a  con- 
siderable body  of  infantry  and  skirmished  with  them  for  two  hoc 
driving  them  back  a  short  distance,  he  found  himself  Cpnfroi 
by  the  Sixth  Corps,  who  encamped  there,  busily  entrenching 
against  an  attack  from  Lee's  army.  General  Stuart  boldly  pushed 
forward  several  pieces  of  his  artillery,  an<b  complimented  them 
With  a  number  of  shell  and  round  shot,  and  then  quietly  withdrew, 
and  marched  back  without  any  molestation,  leaving  the  dumb- 
founded enemy  standing  off  at  long  rang'',  shelling  the  empty  wood 
long  after  he  had  gone.  If  has  been  since  definitely  ascertained 
that  "this  expedition  induced  the  enemy  to  retire  his  vohHU  force 
fron  n&e  to  F  Court  Ho  der  the  tmj  'hut 

ul  gotten  in  his  r<  ■  bout  i<<  attack 

On  the  18th,  General  Stuart  still  was  hovering- round,  watching 
the  movements  of  Meade,  who  hail  n  abort  fl 

1,,.  had  asc    taii    d  otfr  ■    my#had  retired.    This  1  •  of  this 

lightfooted  retrograde  movement  >■  ■•  had  thus  slowly  with- 

drawn, and  fully  persuadi  d   that   his  track  was  cold,  with  I 
apparently  contradictory  to  his  conduct,  in   bitt< 
ported  to  have  used  the  "pungent  expression,"  "that  it  was  like 
pulling  an  eye  tooth  not   to  have  1,  d  I  I  to 

keep  up  an  apparent 

r.i 


1  10  BK] 

:    about  to  relieve 
ie   pain 

ui    cunning,  unfeeling  Jeb  with   bid  cavalry 
stiU  in  his  r(  tot  illy  ignorant  of  the  homoeopathic 

rion   of  hia  dashing  cavaliers,   projected   a   mischievous   man* 
..■in  tits  of  which,  doubtless,  relieved  but  li 

the  pungent  grief  df  the  disappointed  Yankee  chieftain. 

General  Stuart  having  left   Fit.-.  Lee  behind  below  Gainesville, 

nth  all  the  other  cavalry  !  efore  Kilpatrick,  who  v 

ivmg  like  a  hyena,  boasting  to  a  citizen  on  the  io.nl  that 

larl  had.  been  boasting  of  driving  him  from  Culpeper,  and  how 

ras  going  to  drive  Stuart."     He  ia  described  as  abont  sitting 

down  to  an  ercellenl  dinner  that   he  had  ordi  ase 

the  remark,  when  the  sound  61  our  guns  from  bhe  direction 
Gainesville  attracted   hjs  attention  ;  he  unceremoniously  took  his 
leave,  and  with  a  few  rapid  strides  be  gained  his  horse,  and  in  i 
fused  has.te  dashed  dinner! ess  away.    The  preconcerted  signal  from 
Fitz.  bee  was  announced,  whe/J  General  Stuart,  who  .had  Retreated 
before  the- enemy  two  miles  below  New  Baltimore,  who  with  Kil- 
patrick'a  whole  division,  with  Custer's  brigade   in   advance,  v. 
pushing  rapidly  alter  him,  he  faced    Hampton's  division   abbnt, 
throwing  Gbrdon'i  brigade  in  advance,  with  the  other  two  brig- 
.  Young's  and  [Josser's,  moving  up  in  support.     Pushing  back 
rapidly  he  appeared  suddonlj  ;  I  thai  had  de- 

ployed just  this  hide  of  the  village  to  receive  us,  with  bis  sharp- 
shooters thrown  forward,  awaiting  a  leisure  Bkirmish,  thai  usuallj 
precedes  a  cavalry  action,  but  Genera]  Stuart  was  not  disposed  to 
await  formalities.  The  old  veterans  of  the  First  North  Carolina, 
led  by  Colonel  Unfit-  Barringer,  was  ordered  immediately  to  chs 
the  Yankee  column,  who  vn  up  in  a  beautiful  line,  with 

the  stars  and  stripes  flaunting  gaily  in  the  breeze.     Down  upon 
•a  our  columo  furiously  pounc<  d,  and  in  the  face  of  leaden  hail 
from  their  p  ad  oarbinea,  after  ibre  clashes  the  ene- 

my's line  d  and  broke  helter  skelter  down  the  pike  ;  <l 

ening  yeHs  rent  the  air,  adding  an  impetus  to'their  flight ;  on  they 
went  pell  mell  in  one  flyi  ded  on  by  the  aabre  poittl 

their  eager  pursuers.     Their  offic  ime  points  attempted  to 

rally  th.eir  men,  1  C    vies,  a   most  gajlant  and   dashing 

officer,  who  with  the  i  :  utstripp  .  _  ive 

them  no  time  to  make  a  rally,  would  dash  recklessly  upon  th 


r»o 


HAMPTONS    CAVALRY.  147 

sabring  them  down  or  taking  them  prisoners,  Oa  the  race  wenl 
for  several  miles,  driving  them  across  Their  broken  line 

here  again  attempted  to  rally.     It  was  indeed  an  amusing  seen 
have  witnessed  the  efforts  nf  the  Yankee  offi<  they  reached 

the  opposite  hill,  flashing  through  their  confused,  jumbled  up  ranks, 
attempting  to  steady  and  rally  their  men,  with  curses  and  oaths  in- 
termingled with  their  buglers'  corifused  fiotes,  giving  their  varie- 
gated footings  more  the  domestic  sound  of  a  covey  of  cackling 
'Guinea  hens  than  inspiriting  martial  airs.  Our  gallant  captain, 
who  still  had  a  portion  of  the  most  fleet  of  the  advance  up  with 
him,  dashed  upon  them,  adding  chaos  to  confusion,  cleared  the 
hills,  capturing  a  number  of  prisoners. 

■  In  the  meantime  Fitz.  Lee  had  tapped  the  enemy's  flanks  from 
the  right.  They  broke  to  the  left  at  Buckland  down  Broad  Run. 
and  were  so  hotly  pursued  that  they  deserted  their  ambulanee  and 

wagon   train  that  was  captured   in   crossing   the  run.     The   f>Ul 
■was  still   kept   up    Vigorously   for   two  miles  further,  picking  up 
*  frightened   batches   of   prisoners  all  along  the.   route.     Dark  now 
came  on;  still  General  Stuart  pushed  on,  driving  them  back  on 
their  infantry  near  Ilavmarket.     The  moon  was  shining  brightly. 
Genera]  Stuart  w  ith  a  small  body  of  dismounted  men  went  for 
to  reconnoitre.     The  conversation  in  their  infantry  camp  could  be 
distinctly  heard.     Our  sharpshooters  wen  I 
■shelled  the  woods  all  an. and.  •  All  demonstration  finally  c< 
our  part,  when  a  ri<  h  m                  urred.     The  enemy  thinking 
had  entirely  withdrawn,  sent  out  a  company  to  pickel  on  the  Back- 
land  Road.     After   pro< ding  some  disl               vu  the  i 

officer  in  charge  of  the  major,  rode  up  to  oui  \ 

quiring  for  General  Webster, who  it 

to  place  the  picl  3    iyt,  with  the  liitl- 

or  fifteen  men  with  him,  was  lying  in  tie  by.     Oar  vi- 

dettes  whom  the  major  accost  leywithnim, 

when  til  will  ] 

find  General  W  He  •■•  v  me  wl 

picket"     V* 

'•  Here,  hei  i  '   '  ■ 

Whereupon  the  little  party  b 

With  hi-  C  >  apaiiv  iniine'li-it'";- 

to  the  i 


1  1-  SKETCH] 

» 

This  incident  closed  the"Buokland   R  Cilpet rick's  divif 

•  in  the  whole  Federal  was  killed,  captured,  and 

dispersed.  In  this  affair  about  tine  •  hundred  and  fifty  prisoners 
and  a  Urge  proportion  killed  and  wounded.  Our 
a  Inconsiderable.  And  to  cap  the  climax  to  this  Yankee  cava- 
lier's misfortune,  he  1os4  his  celebrated  rac*  horse,  li  seems  he  has 
a  passion  for  racing,  and  kept  a  favorite  thoroughbred  mare,  called 
"Lively,"  which  in  this  famoua  <  ing  led  by  one  of  his  order- 

lies, somehow  flew  the  track  and  took  to  the  wends  and  fields,  and 
was  a  few  days  after  picked  up  k  '   M  sby's  men,  and  also 

two  of  his  soldiers  whom  lie  had  sent  to  scour  the  country  for  i 
and  Livtdv's  chagrined  master  may  not  be  surprised  Bhould  Bhe 
'cause  him  to  fly  the  track  before  this  war  is  over. 

In  the   same  connection  there  is  another   happy  incident  coa- 
ted with  this  affair.    The  Yank  e  <  reneral  Custer,*  who  led  Kil- 
patrick's  advance  after  Stuart  from  Buckland,  is  .-described  as  being 
quite  exquisite  in  hie  person — long,  curly,  flaxen  hair,  dripping 
with  unguents,  flowing  down  round  his  shoulders,  chap  lued  with  a 
high  Hack  felt,  freighted  with  an  undue  proportion  of  feathers, 
dressed  in  ldue  velvet,  trimmed  with  a  profusion  of  gold  lace,  with 
ening  patent   leather  boots  op  to  his  knees,  bedecked  with 
silver  spurs,  dashing  along  with  a  similarly  exquisite  staff  at  the 
head  of  his  column.     He  reined  up  with  a  pompous  air  at  a  lady's 
doo'r  on    the  roadside  near  \e\v    Baltimore,  and   inquired   i!   all 
Stuart's  cavalry  had    retreated   beyond   that    point.      The   lady  re- 
plied  thai    she   thought   not.     And   in   the  mosl  r  spirit   he 
onded:  ''Well,d — n 'em, they  had  better  be  a  making  quick 
time,  for  we  'II   put   the  ragged  aboun  Irels  before  us  faster  than 
they  came  down,'"  and  then  spurred  off  in.  dashing  style  to  over- 
t be  head  of  his  column,  which  he  had                    iched,  when 
bad  tiie  presurqption  lb  give  him  notice 
that  they  were  in  his  fronl                 him  and  stall"  soon  to  exercise  » 
that  form  of  tactics  anything  but  complimentary  to  hie  boasted 
'.v.    Leaning  forward,  digging  bis  spurs  into  his  horse  al  every 

jump,  hat  in   hand,  curls  streaming  wildly  in   the   air,  staff  and  all 
dashed  through  the  town  (as  a  little  urchin  standing  by  describes 

it,  "  j  tin").     Every  rebel  yell  from  behind  but  increased  his 

« 

•    "  This  officer  acknowledged,  on  the  entire  expedition,  a  loss  of  three  thousand  horses 
from  his  command. 


Hampton's  cavalry.  '  140 

pace  to  such  a  pitch  as  to  challenge  the  devil  to  take  the  hind- 
most, and  where  the  poor  tarletan  stopped  there  is  "  no  telling  ;" 
probably  he  may  have  had  himself  expressed  to  some  experienced 
barber  on  Broadway,  to  have  his  disheveled  curls  arranged  for 
another  onward  to  punish  the"ragged  scoundrels  *' for  their  rude- 
ness in  so  badly  disarranging •  his  toilet.  But  the  "unkindest  cut 
of  all:"  Among  the  wagons  captured  .was  the  headquarters  bag- 
gage of  this  exquisite  officer,  containing  his  papers,  clothes  and 
everything.  The  papers  gave  us  some  interesting  facts  connect  d 
with  their  cavalry,  showing  much  heavier  loss  in  the  recent  cam- 
paigns than  we  expected. 

With  the  "Bitckland  Races  '^terminated  the  cavalry  part  of  the 
campaign,  which  was  one  unbroken  series  of  sn  >m  the 

time  it  crossed  the  Rapidan  and  Robinson  Rivers  till  the  last  fin- 
ishing stroke  at  Buckland.  alone  placing -kors  de  combat  between 
two  and  three  thousand  of  the  enemy. 

The  excellent  plans  of  our  cavalry  chieftain — the  nice  calcula- 
tion of  time,  chance,  and  material,  and  the  manner  in  which  they 
were  so  beautifully  executed  by  those  entrusted  with  them,  ig  in- 
deed remarkable*  and  the  frequent  sudden  emergencies  that  ai 
and  the  manner  in  which  officers  and  men  met  them,  will  not  fail 
to  challenge  the  respecj  of  the  country.  An  excellent  comment 
upon  the  services  of  the  cavalry  in  this  <  ampaign  is  given  from  the 
pen  of  another : 

''They  have  met  and  fought  the  enemy  all  along  the  roods  from 
the  Rapidan  to  the  Rappahannock,  advancing  upon  the  Federals 
by  two  routes.     They  guarded  the  flan)  he 

.marched  bo  intercept  Me^de,  doing  the  work  so  perfectly  that 

leral  general  never  at  any  time  could  ascertaii  *  in 

relation  to  Lee's  moi  ei  T 

and  final  stm  I  the  Rappahannock ;  they 

did  the  sam<  I  iy  at  Warrentoi    3| 

retreating  "columns  seriously,  I  .inn: ;  tl 

drove  them  BuH   Run.  and  took   p  sin 

front  of  Centreville  :  they  p<  I  to  the 

ing  Pan,  and   mad"  them  fall  b  i  ' 

II.  and  oi it  1  < 

ir    rear  :   they    gol    Kdpali  ick 

and  broke  ;  bis  en  tin  nd,  killing,  captui  iriv- 

ing  them  back  on  their  infantry 


150  SKETCHES   FROM 

whole  Federal  bi  Tl    y  effected  these  results,  besides  fu^ 

rushing  General  Lee  with  thorough  and  reliable  information  of 
every  movement  and  design  on  the  part  of  the  enemy. 

"And  yet.  these  services  of  the  cavalry  have  not  been  Cnore  im- 
portant than  upon  other  occasions.  The'high  reputation  for  cour» 
age  and  efficiency  which  they  have  received  has  not  been  the  re- 
Bultof  bette  '-hip  on  the  part  ofHhe  commanders,  or 

gallantry  on  the  perl  ol  the  met.  [I  has  resulted  from  the  circum- 
Btanee  that  the  infantry  of  thenar  my  had  ar/opportunity  to  set  the 
cavalry  at  work,  and  observe  //■■■  *.*.**     -'     Far  from  the 

field  of  cavalry  operations,  which  ate  generally  on  the  flanks  of  the 
army,  or  in  the  rear  or  front,  some  honest  minded  men  repeated 
sneers  emanating  from  some  regiments,  and  ended  by  believing 
every  calumny  that  was  circulated.  The  only  explanation  thai 
be  given  for  the  naive  and  enthusiastic  applause  thai  greeted  the 
charge  at  Warrento'n  Springs — a  gallant  and  dashing  little  affair,  it 
is  true — but  only  one  of  many  Buch  which  occur  on  every  expedi- 
tion of  the  cavalry.  The  infantry  broke  out  in  rapturous  plaudits 
on  that  occasion,  and  evidently  thought  that  such  things  ran  ly 
occurred — that  the  cavalry  had  'turned  over  B  new  leaf.' 

"We  repeat,  that  the  misfortune  has  been  heretofore  that  the 
brave  buys  of  the  infantry  did  not  see  their  comrades  of  the  cav- 
alry at  work,  and  not  finding  them  prominent  in  the  big  battles, 
believed  they  preferred  the  rear,  and  did  no  fighting.  It  is  fortu- 
nate this  hall il ei nation  is  exploded.  The  gallant  hlood  of  the  noble 
hearts  which  Hows  in  every  cavalry  light  cries  aloud  against  this 
cruel  calumny.  While  the  infantry  are  resting  after  their  toils,  the 
cavalry  are  fighting  ;  and  it.  would  astonish  some  of  those  who  have 
been  in  the  habit  of  repeating  the  sneers  alluded  to,  if  they  coirld 
know  how  much  precious  blood  of  field  officers,  company  officers, 
and  noble  men  in  the  ranks  is  shed  in  almost  every  skirmish  which 
occurs  on  the  outposts.*' 

Our  command  withdrew  at  its  leisure,  and  recroased  the  Rappa- 
hannock wit hou t  the  least  molestation, and  was  placed  on  the  upper 
fords  of  the  Rappahannock  and  Ila/.el  Rivers. 

"There  is  a 'plan!  most  fragrant  when  trampled  on,"  has  a  most 
beautiful  aptitude  in  the  following  instance  of  the  devoted  heroism 
.of  one  of  Culpeper's  noble  daughters.  After  vacating  Culpeper, 
General  Kilpainck  made  his  headquarters  at  the  house  of  Mr.  H. 
Triplets,  near  Stevensburg.   The  mother  and  two  interesting  daugh- 


Hampton's  cavaliit.  151 

tera  comprised  the  family,  whose  rare  devotion  to  bur  cause  ex- 
tended by  no.  means  a  free-willed  hospitality  to  such  guests,  whoso 
special  kindness  had  been  lavished  upon  the  oilier  party  far  be- 
yond their  means,  and  will  be  remembered  by  many  a  grateful 
Confederate  soldier  long  after  the  war  is  over.  Their  Yankee 
guest  is  represented  ms  one  strictly  after  the  Puritan  sehool — 
stern  and  unrelenting  in  his  decrees — and  his  name  was  a  terror 
to  the  helpless  man  or  woman  whose  open  expressions  of  "disloyal 
sentiments'"  should  reach  his  e.irs.  Notwithstanding  his  well 
known  character  for  severity,  the  eldest  daughter,  Miss  Eliza* 
w;is  far  from  being  unnerved  at  his  presence,  and  gave  frequent 
and  unreserved  expressions  of  her  devotion  to  our  cause  before 
these  Yankee  lordlings,  of  which  the  Yankee  general  was  duly  ap- 
prised ;  and  in  punishment  of  such  open  heresy,  he  ordered  the 
"stars  and  stripes '*  to  hang  from  the  young  lady's  chamber  win- 
dow. The  officer  anfl  party  entrusted  with  the  execution  of  tho 
order  were  proceeding  to  execute  it,  when  the  young  lady  met 
them  at  her  door,  and  defiantly  forbade  them  entrance.  The  affair 
was  immediately  reported  to  the  chivalrom  Yank,  who  perempto- 
rily ordered  the  execution  of  his  order,  and  if  the  young  lady  per- 
sisted, to  arrest  her  and  ship  her  to  Washington.  The  officer 
returned,  and  found  her  still  as  obdurate  as  before,  and  in  fori 
her  of  General  Kilpatrick's  decree.  She  sternly  declared  thai  the 
hated  flag  should  not  float  from  her  window,  and  she  was  willing 
to  resign  herself  to  her  late,  and  nothing  but  the  tears  and  entreat 
of  her  mother  could  persuade  her  to  desist  from  her  purpose.  The 
hated  emblem  was  unfurled  from  the  window,  and  the  V  j 
cials  \  ere  chuckling  over  their  victory  over  this  '  rebel  she  add 
when  the  noble  girl's  mortification  gave  way  to  despi 

rushed  up  stairs,  and    was  proceeding   to  tear  down  the  hated 
embh  m,  and  was  only  prevented  by  a  Yank  in,  who 

capitulated  by  removing  it  himself.     The  V         ••  officer  indul 
the  insult,  which  finally  resulted  in  challenj 

-    rhis  s  '■:•'   ]  o  ing  l.i'lv,  duri   _ 
tillci'v  dm  I 

wounded  in   an  00 
ly  near  the  spot— the  poor  man  f« 
after  him  I 

■ 

..  mad  fmy  hard  by. 


152  BKETCtES    FROM 


CHAPTER    XVIII. 

THE  UNFORTUNATE  AFFAIR  AT  RAPPAHANNOCK  STATION — THE  i:\  AVI- 
ATION OP  CULPBPER  COUNTY — fe*ENERAL  HAMPTON  RETURNS  TO  HIS 
COMMAND  AND  COVERS  THE  RETREAT — TAKES  THE  OLD  LEV 
THE  RAPlDAN — GENERAL  HAMPTON  MAKES  A  SUCCESSFUL  FORAY  IN 
THE  FNEMYS  LJNES,  SURPRI8H&''  AND  CAPTURES  \  CAMP—  MEADE 
ADVANCES  AND  CROSSES  THE  RAPIHAN— OIK  CAVALRY  HABA8S  HIS 
FLANK  AND  REAR — HE  PRECIPITATELY  RETREATS  BACK  ACROSS  THE 
RIVER — AN    UNKNOWN    HERO— CONCLUSION. 

After  forcing  the  enemy  Hack  upon  his  works  near  Washin 
our  army  took  up  its  old  line  on  the  Rappahannock,  and  Lay  quietly 

lor  several  weeks.  Detachments  were  engaged,  in  the  meant  inn-, 
in  tearing  np  the  railroad  beyond  the  river.  On  one  occasion  the 
Yankee  cavalry  made  a  reconnaissance  toward  the  river  and  came 
on  the  party  at  work,  who  promptly  met  them  and  drove  tlieiu 
back  with  considerable  loss,  while  our  loss  was  trifling.  A  brigade 
of  infantry  was  kept  just  on  the  north  hank  of  the  river,  in  the  old 
works  of  the  enemy.  Here  a  most  unhappy  episode  occureti. 
Suddenly,  on  the  6th  of  November,  an  overwhelming  force  of  the 
enemy  mad''  their  appearance  in  front  of  the  works,  which  were 
held  by  the  veteran  brigades  of  Hays  and  Hoke,  and  drove  in  the 
pickets,  who- were  stationed  but  b  short  distance  from  the  main 
body.  The  main  column  of  the  enemy  moved  on  rapidly,  and  be- 
fore ^reinforcements  from  the  camp — about  six  miles  distant  on 
the  other  side  of  the  river — could  reach,  the  enemy,  with  his  heavy 
columns,  had  completely  invested  the  works,  and  gradually  closed 
in  upon  them^  and  after  a  most  desperate  resistance  the  greater 
portion  of  these  two  gallant  brigades  wen-  killed  and  captured. 
Bui  the  enemy  paid  mosl  dearly  for  his  advantage— his  first  lines 
were  literally  torn  to  pieces.  Our  men  displayed  the  utmost  he- 
roism :  niter  their  ammunil  ion  had  become  exhausted  they  clubbed 
their  guns,  and  not  till  they  were  hopelessly  overpowered  did  they 
surrender— really  killing  and  wounding  more  of  the  enemy  than 
their  own  number.  The  enemy  were  allowed  to  cross  over  Satur- 
day night  without  any  opposition.     Our  forces  fell  back  to  Stevens- 


Hampton's  cavalry.  153 

burg  and  awaited  them  in  line  for  two  days.     The  enerriy  showing 
no  disposition  to  attack,  our  forces  retired  across  the  Rapidan. 

To  the  cavalry  was  entrusted  the  bringing  up  of  this  retreat. 
They  gallantly  met  the  enemy's  advance,  and  held  them  in  check. 
General  Young's  brigade  encountered  a  heavy  body  of*  the  enemy 
on  the  right,  near  Stevensburg.  General  Hampton  arriving  from 
his  long  absence,  in  consequence  of  the  severe  wounds  he  received 
at  Gettysburg,  General  Stuart  ordered  him  to  his  favorite  old  com- 
mand, and  he  immediately  repaired  to  that  part  of  the  field.  The- 
skirmish  was  in  full  blast  as  the  old  scarred  hero  coolly  rode  along 
the  battle  line  amid  the  welcome  shouts  of  his  devoted  men,  and 
the  whistling  of  bullets  that  were  shredding  the  air.  The  enemy 
made  nothing  in  that  fight,  Hampton's  boys  showing  their  cherished 
leader 

That  the  valor  shown  on  former  fields, 
With  the  true  hero  never  yields. 

The  cavalry  too  moved  over  with  the  rest  of  the  army  and  resumed 
the  picket  lines. 

The  Yankees  were  not  doomed  to  rest  with  impunity  in  their 
regained  limits.  On  the  night  of  the  17th  November,  General 
Hampton,  with  a  detachment  of  about  five  hundred  picked  men 
from  each  brigade,  crossed  over  at  Ely's  Ford,  penetrated  tin-  ene- 
my's lines,  and  surprised  and  captured  a  par.t  of  the  Eighteenth 
Pennsylvana  cavalry,  among  them  an  adjutant  and  one  lieutea 
two  flags,  one  hundred  horses  and  mules,  several  wagons,  mid  all 
the  camp  equipage.  General  Rosser's  brigade  pursued  the  re- 
mainder, and  drove  them  back  upon  their  main  body  near  Stevons- 
burg.  In  this  gallant  exploit  we  lost  only  one  man  killed.  The 
command  was  withdrawn  by  way  of  I'l'imanna  Ford  safely,  with 
the  prisoners  and  the  other  captor 

The  yahoo  authorities  at  Washington  had, been  vainly  m^tinc; 
about  for  some  success  from  /  or  from  torn 

reasonable  hope  of  their  radical  rebellion-crashing  ideas  U| 
in  solemn  conclave  they  ordered  Meade  With   his  grand  army  to 
cross  the  Rapidan  for  that  favorite  purpose;  and  how  fiir 
ceeded  in  satisfying  the  yahoo's  wishes,  the  sequel  will  show. 

The  grand  advenes  reached  the  lower  fords  of  the  EUpidail  on 
the  25th  of .  November,  and  were  all  r  with  little 

opposition:  l>ut  in  the  little  opposition  shown  them,  oar  artill< 
worked  terrible  havoc  at  every  passage  tin  y  m 
20 


I.M  -  KETCHES   FROM 

General  Lee  Bwtmg  back  his  army,  resting  the  right  at  Yidiors- 
ville,  on  the  Orange  and  Fredericksburg  Plank  Road, -eight  miles 
from  the  river,  and  the  left  on  aline  fronxVidiersville  to  the  river, 
coursing  along  a  little  stream  known  as  Mine  Hun  ;  thus  as  it  v 
politely  opening  a  door  for  his  iagn  38.  On  Friday,  the  27th,  while 
Johnston's  division  was  going  down  to  take  position  on  the  right, 
thev  were  suddenly  attacked  by  two  full  corps  of  the  enemy.  The 
column  was  wheeled  by  the  left  flank,  and  charged  the  enemy  at 
•  •.  Th6ir  lieree  onset  broke  the  enemy's  entire  lino,  and  drove 
them  back  a  mile  and  a  half,  leaving  the  ground  strewn  with  his 
dead  and  wounded  ;  and  also  several  hundred  prisoners  fell  into 
our  hands.  Our  loss  was  about  five  hundred  in  all,  mostly 
wounded.  No  affair  of  the  war  ran  lay  claim  to  higher  gallantry, 
for  promptness  and  fierceness  of  tho  onset,  which  successfully 
ried  the  enemy  in  most  overwhelming  odds  in  confusion  before 
them.  General  Lee  strengthened  himself  in  his  position,  and 
awaited  the  attack.  The  lines  of  the  enemy  were  advanced  in 
close  proximity  to  ours  on  Sunday,  giving  every  indication  of  an 
early  battle. 

Our  cavalry,  in  the  meantime,  were  thrown  round  on  their  right 
Hank.  Gordon  and  Young  attacked  them  on  Saturday,  and  alter  a 
sharp  engagement,  making  a  successful  reoonnoisance  of  their 
position,  they  withdrew  their  commands  back  up  the  plank   r< 

On  the  same  d;iy  Genera!  [Josser,  with  his  brigade,  made  B  dar- 
ing circuit  round  on  the  enemy's  rear — fell  upon  a  large  wagon 
train — captured     and     destroyed    about   sevent\-,:.  and 

brought  off  one  hundred  and  fifty  line  mules  and  several  prisoners. 

On*Sunday,  General  Hampton  took  the  whole  division  and  made 
another  circuit  round  on  tho  rear  of  their  left,  dashed   on  Greg 
Division,  severely  using  it   up,  driving  them  through  and  beyond 
their  camps,  capturing  the  ontire  camp  equipage,  some  two  hundred 
prisoners,  and  a  large  number  of  borsi 

The  command  was  moved  back  and  resumed  its  position  on  our 
right  flank,  and  on  Monday,  joined  in  with  our  infantry,  and  was 
iged  in  hot  skirmishing  throughout  the  day.  All  day  Tuesday 
the  usual  monotony  of  long-ranged  skirmish  firing  was  wearing  away 
the  patience  ot  officers  and  men,  and  General  Lee  determined  to 
await  the  attack  no  longer,  and  prepared  his  columns  for  action 
on  the  ensuing  day.  His  advance  was  set  in  motion,  when,  lo!  and 
behold,  nothing  but  a  thin  line  of  skirmishers  could  be  seen  re- 


Hampton's  cavalry.  155 

treating  rapidly  before  him.  The  main  colomn  had  quietly  with- 
drawn during  the  night,  leaving  the  outside  pickets  in  our  front. 
Their  columns  had  doubled-quicked  beyond  pursuit,  and  had  com- 
bined to  place  the  Rapidan  between  •themselves  and  Lee's  forces. 
Meade  certainly  came  to  fight,  but  made  a  poor  apology  to  the  God 
of  War,  and  left  in  indecent  haste.  This  movement,  from  the 
statement  of  their  own  prisoners,  including  the  havoc  our  artillery 
played  among  them  at  the  different  fords  in  crossing,  cost  him  over 
two  thousand  men.  Our  loss,  with  the  exception  of  the  engage- 
ment, was  trifling. 

In  passing  over  that  portion  of  the  ground  where  our  advance 
skirmish  lines  had  engaged  the  enemy,  one  of  our  soldiers  was 
found  lying  in  a  lonely  nook  of  pines,  a  victim  to  the  sharpshooter's 
fatal  ball.  A  faint  beam  of  the  sun's  rays  peered  through  the  um- 
brageous pines,  playing  dimly  in  his  cold,  pale  face.  His  ha 
some  features  still  wore  a  calm,  sweet,  earnest  expression,  with  his 
pale  hands  gently  folded,  and  his  lustreless  eyeballs  heavenward, as 
though  in  his  last  moment  his  dying  gaze  had  lingered  on  the  far- 
off  spirit  land.  Ho  was  sleeping  death's  noblest  sleep,  an  unknown 
hero. 

On  the  field  of  strife, 

»  Battling  for  his  country's  dearest  rights.        « 

Which  elicited  from  General  Young,  as  the  party  was 
"in  mute  grief"  on  the  sad  spectacle,  the  following  1 
soliloquy  : 

"  There  sleeps  the  true  hero.     Who  knows  but  he  has  an  anxious 
father,  a  fond  mother,  and  teiul-r  Bister,  or  a  dear  little  brothel 
perhaps  a  loving  young   wife  at  his   far-off  sunny   home,    wl 
hearts  at  tin-  moment  are  anxiously  throbbing  for  his  well 
While  here  he 'lies  in  this  wild  nook,  tar  f(pno  home  and  frii 
weltering  in  his  blood  on  the  frozen  ground  ;  no  fond  face 
him   in  his  dying   throes — no  tender  hand  soothed   his  death-1 

Turning   sadlv  away.  ;ry   him 

the  best  yon  can.'' 

With    their    sabn it    aloBS    I  vfully   dug    D1 

gave   him   the   soldier's  rude  buna, 

ohaunting  his  requiem  through  the  tope  oi   the  thick 

pines. 


156  SKETCHES   FROM 

No  name  niark<.l  the  I 

.us  war's  poor  virtini  fill; 
Lot  it  never,  no  i       •  "frot, 

down  in  that  lonely  « 1« -11 
A  In  n  ithout  an  urn, 

Buddy  rest,  unknown  to  fame. 
B  orifice  will  ever  burn. 

Ah  long  an  liberty  beai  -  i  name. 

• 

The  Yankees,  during  their  short  visit,  perpetrated  every  species 
of  outrage  upon  the  district  of  country  their  army  occupied.  Says 
a  correspondent :  "They  re-enacted  the  9cenea  oflasl  December  at 
Fredericksburg — fields  were  made  desolate,  houses  first  sacked  and 
then  bnrned,  and  negroes  carried  oil'  tied  ;  in  a  word,  everything 
that  devilish  malice  could  BUggest  or  do  was  perpetrated  upon  tho 
peaceful  and  non-combatant  denizens  in  their  line  of  march.  A 
lew  outrages  I  will  mention.  Captain  Beate*  Mr.  Lockwood,  and 
Captain  Dick  Johnston  were  seized  arid  carried  off  to  prison.  They 
burned  the  houses,  kitchens  and  barns  of  Reuben  Gordon,  besides 
taking  all  his  cattle  and  grain ;  theyjuirned  and  destroyed  many 
other  booses  in  the  vicinity;  they  sacked  the  houses  of  Mrs.  Willie 
and  Colonel    Etowe;  the  Locust  Grove  house  was   several    times 

Lbut  the  lady  in  it  managed  to  put  it  out.  A  most  resp 
able  gentleman^  who  has  been  over  the  entire  ground  overrun  by 
the  enemy,  tells  me  he  thinks  they  carried  off  eve^y  living  four- 
footed  animal.  To  such  straits  were  the  people  brought  by  the 
arts  of  the  enemy,  that  a  gentleman  whose  character  Jor  veracity 
is  undoubted,  tells  me  that  he  Bawsome  poor  children  pulling  off 

the  fat.  from  the  thrown  away  entrails  of  slaughtered  animals,  in 
order  to  subsist,  and  I  have  heard  of  one  of-the  leading  citizens  of 
that  section,  once  in  great  affluence,  who  was  compelled  to  make 
application  the  day  after  the  Yankees  left    to  General  Hampton's 

commissary  lor  bread  and  meat  to  feed  his  family.      1  also  heard  of 

a  well  vouched  ease  of  rape  upon  the  person  oi  a  negro  child 
eleven  years  old,  with  other  disgusting  recital's  of  the  barbarous 

luot    of   this    loathsome    race,  who  carry  fire  and    sword    in  this 

cruel  crusade,  more,  if  anything,  against  unarmed  and  unoffending 

women  and  children  and  non-OOIBDatant  men  than  our  soldiers  in 
arms,  whom  they  are  by  no  means  anxious  to  meet  in  the  field  in 
honorable  eonilict." 


Hampton's  cavalry.  157 

This  brings  us  to  the  close  of  another  year's  campaign.  The  in- 
creasing vindictiveness  and  malignity  of  our  cruel  and  unprinci- 
pled foe,  only  foreshadows  the  hellish  intentions  that  in  the  event 
of  his  success  he  has  in  reversion  for  us,  which  instead  of  goading 
our  spirits  to  despair,  only  adds  additional  strength  to  our  disgust, 
and  new  energy  to  our  resistance — such  a  resistance  as  knows  no 
end,  save  in  success. 

We  now  close  our  sketches  of  1863 ;  which  leaves  us  much  the 
same  in  relation  to  an  early  termination* of  these  troubles  as  at  the 
end  of  the  campaigns  of  1862.  The  preponderant  material  and 
mighty  appliances  of  our  foe  have  been  brought,  with  all  his  en- 
ergy, to  .bear  against  us,  but  we  have  manfully  stood  the  terrible 
shock.  Entirely  relieving  our  own  Capital,  we  have  twice  flaunted 
our  battle-flag  around  his  own,  and  carried  it  far  upon  his  own  soil, 
and  only  withdrew  it  when  compelled  by  extraneous  causes.  And 
we  can  justly  congratulate  ourselves  that  we  are  still  "unterrifled, 
unbroken,  and  unbent,"  while  the  boasted  armies  of  the  tyrant 
at  Washington  have  done  but  little  more  than  add  destruction  in 
their  former  beaten  tracks,  and  their  most  advanced  outposts  ex- 
tend but  little  beyond  those  of  the  preceding  year. 

The  blood  of  the  best  of  our  land  has  flown  again  upon  our 
numerous  battle  fields  ;  but  the  Moloch  of  war  seems  not  yet  satis- 
fied with  the  holocaust  of  death — 

But  still  frowning  sits, 
And  with  his  red  right  hand 
He  breaks  the  bloody  wand — 

Calling  for  more  victims  still. 

» 

The  heart  upheaves  an  anxious  wish  for  something  to  hinge  a 
onable  hope  for  an  early  peace  upon  ;  bill  it  returns  again,  like 
Noah's  dove,  and  reata  in  the  ark  of  <>ur  holy  cause. 

Our  foe  still  adheres  to  the  hell-gotten  principle  of  Bubjug 
and  is  seemingly  resolved  to  push  us  1"  the   1  nnty.  which 

must  be  met  with  deeper  corresponding  spirit.     We   bare 
that   all  outside   influence   h  tin    sad    illusory — clearly 

demonstrating,  in  our  case,  that  "they  wh.»  would   be  free,  n 
themselves  strike  the  bio 

The  cheerless   scenes   of  winter    privations   are   again   on   us. 
The  cutting  blast,  with   aching  fierceness,  plays*  over  the  \* 
sheeting   around    us.     The    third    winter   our    bivouac    fin 


158  SKETCHES   FROM  HAMPTON'S  CAVALRY. 

lighten  up  our  border  hills;  and  the  sweet  comforts  of  homo  seem 
distant  still.  Had  we  not  better  live  a  lifetime  thus,  in  holy  hope, 
contending  to  preserve  ourselves  from  slavery  the  most  hateful  to 
be  conceived? 

When  we  reflect  that  our  foe  gloats  in  devilish  satisfaction  upon 
the  event  of  enslaving  us  and  placing  us  beneath  the  negro  in 
the  social  scale  ;  "better  far  would  be  a  slavery  to  the  English,  for 
they  are  noble  and  brave  ;  bettor  Blavery  to  the  French,  for  they 
are  gallant  and  chivalrous  ;  aye,  even  to  our  own  negroes,  for  they  at 
least  know  what  labor  is,  and  wouM  have  some  compassion  as  task- 
masters." But  should  we  be  but  (rue  to  ourselves,  no  contingency 
of  this  sort  need  ever  overshadow  our  anticipations.  Listen  to 
nothing  that  the  desponding  may  say,  or  any  proposition  that 
would  tend  to  lure  us  from  the  stern  path  of  duty,  although  that 
path  may  be  tracked,  like  that  of  the  heroes  of  Valley  Forge,  with 
blood  and  suffering.  Let  us  press  on,  resolved  that  the  past  suffer- 
ings of  our  ragged  soldiery — and  all  the  toil  and  blood  of  the  past 
three  years — shall  lose  none  of  their  hallowed  influence,  and  show 
to  our  foes 

"That  a  breath  of  submission  we  breathe  not — 
The  sword  we  have  drawn  we  will  sheaihe  not; 
Its  scabbard  is  left  where  our  martyrs  arc  laid. 
And  the  vengeance  of  years  has  whetted  its  blade ; 
That  they  shall  never,  no  never,  make  us  slaves; 
If  they  rule  it  will  be  over  our  nshes  and  graves. 
Accursed  may  his  memory  blacken, 
If  a  coward  there  be  that  would  slacken 
'Till  we  've  expelled  our  foe,  and  show  ourselves  worth, 
Beings  sprung  from  the  God  like  of  earth. 
Strike  home,  and  the  world  shall  revere  us, 
As  heroes  descended  from  heroes." 


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